When Gloria Angelle Kern was a student at then-SLI in the 1940s, she made sure her father Robert “Bob” Angelle received his diploma.
Angelle had earned enough credits to graduate but contracted Typhoid Fever before commencement and never actually received his diploma.
“ I told this to then-President Fletcher and a special graduation ceremony was held for my dad,” said Kern, one of three daughters for Angelle and his wife Madge Begnaud Angelle, who lived in Breaux Bridge.
At the time, Angelle was a state legislator. The idea for Angelle Hall was born during that special ceremony when Fletcher and Dr. Willis Ducrest approached Angelle about the need for a music building. Angelle agreed to help and construction of the building was completed in 1965.
Last week, Kern was on UL Lafayette’s campus again for her father. A dedication ceremony was held at Angelle Hall, which is named for him.
“ Bob Angelle was a long time legislator and made many, many contributions to the state and this university,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president. “It is really a pleasure to put this portrait of him here in Angelle Hall.”
The building is home to the School of Music and many performances and concerts. It includes an auditorium used for recitals, lectures and other events when a large audience is expected along with music practice rooms, a choral room, band room, organ studio and band library.
Gordon Brooks, dean of the College of the Arts, said more than 50,000 people visit Angelle Hall each year for various performances and meetings.
“ It is really like a gateway to the university,” said Brooks. “It is used a lot and we appreciate the role the building plays in our college and university.”
Angelle, a native of Cecilia, was widely known for his contributions to this region and Louisiana. For the majority of his professional career he operated Acadian Lumber Company. He was the organizer and first president of the Breaux Bridge Sugar Co-op; organizer and first president of Breaux Bridge Bank and Trust Company; mayor and councilman in Breaux Bridge and a state representative from 1934 to 1964.
He served as Speaker of the House and sponsored legislation that made Breaux Bridge the “Crawfish Capital of the World.”