2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 146
BY SENATORS MORRISH, JOHNS, LAFLEUR AND JOHN SMITH AND
REPRESENTATIVES ABRAHAM, ARMES, DANAHAY, DWIGHT,
FRANKLIN, GUINN, HENSGENS AND HILL
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the sincere and heartfelt condolences of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of Dr. Robert Hebert, former president of McNeese State University and to
commend his life and his legacy of contributions made on behalf of postsecondary
education.
WHEREAS, it is with heavy hearts that the Legislature of Louisiana learned of the
passing of this distinguished administrator, educator, and community leader, Dr. Robert
"Bob" Hebert, former president and President Emeritus of McNeese State University in Lake
Charles, Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Robert Hebert embodied all of the finest characteristics of an academic
administrator; he had an open and engaging nature and he was prone to initiate lively
conversations and probing questions; and
WHEREAS, a native of Abbeville, Bob obtained a bachelor of art's degree from the
University of Southwestern Louisiana, now known as the University of Louisiana at
Lafayette, and continued his educational pursuits at Florida State University where he was
awarded a master's degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy in history; and
WHEREAS, Bob came to McNeese in 1969 as an associate professor of history;
from 1980-1987, he served as vice president of academic affairs, director of Basic Studies,
chairman of the University Curriculum Committee, president of the Faculty Senate, and a
professor in the Department of History; and in 1987, he became the fifth president of the
university serving in that capacity for twenty-three years before his retirement in June 2010;
and
WHEREAS, in 1989, on the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of McNeese, Robert
Hebert formally adopted the motto "Excellence With a Personal Touch!" for the university;
and
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WHEREAS, Robert Hebert was a gifted individual and mentor to generations of
college students, who were bolstered by his motivation and who strived to create successful
lives and a better world; and
WHEREAS, he initiated higher academic standards that resulted in better ACT
averages, improved student retention, and a rise in increased enrollment; and
WHEREAS, new campus construction and renovation projects included the addition
of Hardtner Hall, Frasch Hall, the Shearman Fine Arts Center, and new dormitories; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hebert foresaw the essential link between advanced educational
opportunities and regional economics; he established the Banners Cultural Series to
strengthened the vital link between McNeese and area industries; and
WHEREAS, he negotiated a partnership between the Southwest Louisiana Economic
Development Alliance, the parish of Calcasieu, and the city of Lake Charles to establish the
Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Center (SEED) and placed
this entrepreneurial research center on the university campus; and
WHEREAS, SEED became a focal point of expanding global economies fueled by
escalating growth of local petrochemical, aviation, maritime, agricultural, gaming, and
tourism businesses in Southwest Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hebert worked diligently to increase private fundraising efforts and
increased the assets of the McNeese Foundation from $1 million to over $55 million; this
precipitated in the addition of eighty-four new endowed departmental chairs and
professorships; and
WHEREAS, sometimes the mettle of a man is tested under the most horrific
circumstances; in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, nearly every building on campus
sustained damages, with estimations at over $30 million; and
WHEREAS, during the recovery period, Dr. Hebert exemplified self-reliance,
altruism, and dedication; he and his team moved heaven and earth to make McNeese fully
operational again, to re-establish classes just five weeks after the storm, and to successfully
hold graduation exercises at the end of the fall semester 2005; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure at McNeese, Robert Hebert had a profound effect on
students and faculty who were enlightened in some manner by his motivation; he shall
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always be remembered for his tireless work ethic, his humor, his intellect, his enigmatic
smile, and his genuine rapport with everyone he met; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Robert Hebert was a great ambassador for McNeese, an excellent
faculty recruiter, and during his forty-one years at the university, was upheld to be one of
its most beloved and well-respected professors; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Hebert shall be remembered as an extraordinary individual who
loved to travel and immerse himself in the history and environs of far-off places; he was
considered to be a larger than life figure who was always in search of the next adventure; he
was an historian first, last, and always; and
WHEREAS, Robert is survived by his wife, the former Lilly Ann Vincent and their
four sons, Greg, Chris, Gerry, and Edward; all his sons have completed their undergraduate
degrees at McNeese and all have obtained medical doctorates; and
WHEREAS, Robert Hebert witnessed extraordinary advancements in learning
opportunities; he shared his years of invaluable knowledge and experience with others; he
proved himself to be a man of many talents, a man of his word, and a man whose dedication
to scholarship has been a priceless gift left to the state of Louisiana.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Dr. Robert Hebert, former president of
McNeese State University.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
acknowledge the legacy and the lifetime of dedication to academic excellence forged by Dr.
Robert Hebert on behalf of the betterment of public education and scholarship in the state
of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Dr. Robert Hebert.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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