ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 72
BY REPRESENTATIVES JAMES, BADON, BARROW, WESLEY BISHOP, BOUIE,
BURRELL, COX, FRANKLIN, GAINES, HALL, HONORE, HUNTER,
JACKSON, JEFFERSON, TERRY LANDRY, NORTON, PIERRE, PRICE,
SMITH, THIERRY, ALFRED WILLIAMS, PATRICK WILLIAMS, AND
WOODRUFF AND SENATORS BROOME, BROWN, DORSEY-COLOMB,
GALLOT, GUILLORY, MORRELL, MURRAY, PETERSON, AND TARVER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To recognize Wednesday, April 22, 2015, as Southern University Day at the state capitol
and to commend and congratulate the Southern University System on celebrating its
one hundred thirty-five year history of providing higher educational opportunities
to African American students; on leading the way in making such opportunities
available to students of all races and all backgrounds; on preparing and nurturing
many influential leaders in the state and in the country; and on playing a critically
important role in the development of Louisiana and the nation.
WHEREAS, the Southern University System began in New Orleans, Louisiana, in
1880, when a group of black politicians led by former United States Senator P.B.S.
Pinchback of New Orleans, joined by T.T. Allain of Iberville Parish and Henry Demas of
St. John the Baptist Parish, petitioned the state constitutional convention to establish a school
of higher learning for "colored" people, and, as a result, Act 87 of 1880 was enacted and
Southern University came into existence; and
WHEREAS, the passage of the Second Morrill Act of 1890 provided for the
establishment of an agricultural and mechanical department for African Americans with
support from the state and federal governments and, as a result, Southern University was
reorganized as a land-grant institution with separate divisions for agriculture and mechanical
arts; and
WHEREAS, the university moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge in 1912
pursuant to Act 118 of 1912 and opened on its new site in 1914 under the leadership of Dr.
J.S. Clark where its curriculum was expanded through two-year college degrees; and
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WHEREAS, from a school with twelve students, five faculty members, a ten
thousand dollar budget, and a vision, Southern University has developed into a university
system that is a national treasure with five campuses offering baccalaureate degree
programs, associate degree programs, master degree programs, doctoral programs, and a law
degree program; and
WHEREAS, although the leaders of this state, nation, and the world who were
educated at one of the Southern University System campuses are too numerous to
innumerate, it is important to distinguish that Southern University's School of Nursing has
twice been awarded school of the year and its teaching staff is among the most recognized
professionals in their fields of study; graduates of the College of Engineering play
significant, creative, and administrative roles at companies such as IBM, ExxonMobil,
Entergy, Caterpillar Corp., Raytheon, Dow Chemical, and Chevron; graduates of the College
of Business are employed at many of the top 40 corporations in the world; and Southern
University scientists have conducted research that has become useful applications in the
study of outer space, the preservation of food, protection of trees, soil and water, along with
high-speed information networks; and
WHEREAS, ten Southern University graduates have earned the rank of General in
the United States Army and one in the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, many of those persons who are grateful for the opportunity and
education provided them by Southern University serve as elected members of this Louisiana
Legislature; and
WHEREAS, Southern University merits a special measure of recognition upon the
celebration of its exemplary education tradition proving that a dream in 1880 has today
become a living legacy of determination, commitment, and success that now spans one
hundred thirty-five years.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize Wednesday, April 22, 2015, as Southern University Day at the state capitol, does
hereby recognize and record for posterity the pride and honor that Southern University
brings to the state of Louisiana, does hereby express sincere appreciation for its singular
legacy of excellence, and does hereby extend to the entire Southern University family best
wishes upon this memorable day.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the president of the Southern University System.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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