HLS 19RS-1258 ORIGINAL
2019 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 64
BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFFERSON
COMMENDATIONS: Commends Dillard University on its one hundred fiftieth
anniversary
1 A RESOLUTION
2To commend Dillard University upon the occasion of its one hundred fiftieth anniversary.
3 WHEREAS, the roots of Dillard University were planted in 1869 when philanthropist
4Seymour Straight was assisted by an abolitionist group, American Missionary Association
5of the Congregational Church, to found Straight University, one of the first African
6American universities in Louisiana; in 2017, the Preservation Resource Center completed
7a renovation of the only remaining edifice of Straight University, which had been built
8between 1866 and 1871 and served as a boarding house and dining hall; and
9 WHEREAS, New Orleans University was founded in 1872 by the Methodist
10Episcopal church; by the early 20th century, New Orleans University and Straight University
11were beset by insufficient funds, and the administrations of both universities desired to
12locate closer to the city's black population; and
13 WHEREAS, the cornerstone of the campus of the combined universities was laid on
14May 27, 1934, on Gentilly Boulevard, and Dillard University opened for enrollment on
15September 24, 1935; the architect for the campus, Moise Goldstein, designed the stately
16main buildings in a classical revival style; its gleaming white buildings are highlighted by
17formal and ornate landscaping; and
18 WHEREAS, Dillard University was called "one of the country's most beautiful and
19serene campuses" by Donna Fricker in a 2003 article in Preservation in Print magazine and
20the university was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 2003; in
21the nomination, Dillard's statewide significance in the areas of education and African
Page 1 of 2 HLS 19RS-1258 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 64
1American heritage were cited, and the formal architecture and landscape design of its
2campus were praised; and
3 WHEREAS, Dillard University is a source of pride in the higher education
4community of New Orleans, and it is fitting to recognize the one hundred fiftieth anniversary
5of an institution that has impacted the lives of all who pass through its portals.
6 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
7Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend the administration, staff, and students upon
8the one hundred fiftieth anniversary celebration of Dillard University and does hereby extend
9best wishes for continued success.
10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
11to Dillard University president, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 64 Original 2019 Regular Session Jefferson
Commends Dillard University on its 150th anniversary.
Page 2 of 2