2019 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 123
BY SENATOR BISHOP
A RESOLUTION
To commend Dillard University upon the occasion of its one hundred fiftieth anniversary.
WHEREAS, Dillard University is celebrating its one hundred fiftieth year of
providing excellence in higher education to the state, nation, and world; and
WHEREAS, the roots of Dillard University were planted in 1869 when philanthropist
Seymour Straight was assisted by an abolitionist group, American Missionary Association
of the Congregational Church, to found Straight University, one of the first African
American universities in Louisiana; in 2017, the Preservation Resource Center completed
a renovation of the only remaining edifice of Straight University, which had been built
between 1866 and 1871 and served as a boarding house and dining hall; and
WHEREAS, New Orleans University was founded in 1872 by the Methodist
Episcopal church; by the early 20th century, New Orleans University and Straight University
were beset by insufficient funds, and the administrations of both universities desired to
locate closer to the city's black population; and
WHEREAS, the cornerstone of the campus of the combined universities was laid on
May 27, 1934, on Gentilly Boulevard, and Dillard University opened for enrollment on
September 24, 1935; the architect for the campus, Moise Goldstein, designed the stately
main buildings in a classical revival style; its gleaming white buildings are highlighted by
formal and ornate landscaping; and
WHEREAS, Dillard University was called "one of the country's most beautiful and
serene campuses" by Donna Fricker in a 2003 article in Preservation in Print magazine and
the university was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 10, 2003; in
the nomination, Dillard's statewide significance in the areas of education and African
American heritage were cited, and the formal architecture and landscape design of its
campus were praised; and
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WHEREAS, Dillard University is a source of pride in the higher education
community of New Orleans, and it is fitting to recognize the one hundred fiftieth anniversary
of an institution that has impacted the lives of all who pass through its portals; and
WHEREAS, Dillard University merits a special measure of commendation upon the
celebration of the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of its founding.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend the administration, staff, and students upon the one hundred fiftieth
anniversary celebration of Dillard University, recognize and record for posterity the pride
and honor that it brings to the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, and extend
best wishes for continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Dillard University president, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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