A gift from recent University of Louisiana at Lafayette graduates is rising along the circular drive of Martin Hall.
Ground was broken last week for a curved, red brick wall that will be 100 feet long and stand 6 feet at its center. The name of the University, and its founding year of 1898, will be shown in backlit, bronze-color aluminum letters.
The wall is in front of a flagpole and World War II veterans memorial. It’s framed by two live oaks; a bench will be built on the side facing Martin Hall, under one of the trees.
In 2012, Student Government Association leaders proposed a landmark wall. The 2013-14 SGA officers agreed to support it.
“We followed through with the previous administration’s plan and have been moving the project forward,” said outgoing SGA President David Neef.
SGA and the University campus planning committee have been working with Architects Southwest to design the wall.
In 2011, an SGA resolution established a student fee to fund a senior class gift program. Since the spring of 2012, each graduating senior has contributed $20 for a class gift to the University.
“The money has been accumulating. Now several class gifts are being combined to fund a significant campus landmark,” Neef said. “Students, alumni, prospective students and visitors will be able to take pictures in front of our wall.”
The entire project, which includes a sidewalk to access the wall and landscaping, will cost approximately $240,000. Construction is expected to be complete by Fall 2014.
Patricia Cottonham, vice president for Student Affairs, said, “It’s wonderful that our students are donors to the University, especially before they graduate.
“We hope the new wall will serve as a gateway to the Walk of Honor, and that alumni will bring their families to see it.”
The Walk of Honor is a path made of bricks bearing the names of all UL Lafayette graduates.