University: UL to show off a little before home football opener

The Advertiser, September 10, 2015

 

A metal fleur-de-lis fountain centerpiece, which was designed by UL students and built by Begnaud Manufacturing, is installed Wednesday, March 4, 2015, in the quad on the campus of UL in Lafayette, La.(Photo: Leslie Westbrook, The Advertiser)

 

UL will host an opening weekend to show off some campus improvements and encourage fans to attend its first home football game of the 2015 season.

Events are planned for Friday and Saturday to showcase the recently renovated and enlarged Student Union, renovated Quadrangle, and new Louisiana Welcome Wall.

The Cajuns will face the Northwestern State Demons at Cajun Field at 6 p.m. Saturday in the 15th annual Herbert Heymann Classic.

Friday

•A free open house will be held at the Student Union. Doors will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

•At 11 a.m., there will be a ribbon cutting under the former Student Union porch in front of Cypress Lake. Guests can then walk through the renovated Bayou Bijou Theater and Atchafalaya Ballroom. They will also have a chance to explore 20 additional meeting and event rooms. A dedication of the Helma B. Constantine Forum, on the Union’s second floor, will take place at 5 p.m.

•The afternoon will wind down with teas from across the world at the University’s Office of International Affairs; desserts and coffees will be served in the new University Bookstore.

•The reUnion at the U, a dinner reception, will begin at 6 p.m., with cocktails by Cypress Lake. John Morgan, a professional comedian and former Student Government Association president, will be on hand to recognize former student leaders, former Union staff members and others who gathered on the porch of the old Student Union after it opened in 1971. A strolling buffet will begin at 7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom.

Saturday

•Dedication of the recently revamped Quadrangle will kick off the second day of Opening Weekend activities. The unveiling of a plaque for the new Louisiana Welcome Wall will follow.

•There will be a ribbon cutting in the Quad at 9 a.m. Quadrangle improvements were designed by UL Lafayette students. They include a central fountain and plaza, as well as new walkways and landscaping. The fountain features a large, metal fleur-de-lis sculpture that weighs about 3,000 pounds and is about 14 feet tall.

•Immediately after that ceremony, University officials will unveil a plaque on the new Louisiana Welcome Wall in front of Martin Hall. The curved, red brick wall stands about 6 feet at its center. The name of the University, and its founding year of 1898, are shown in large, backlit aluminum letters. The projects were paid for by student self-assessed fees and senior class gift fees from the Classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014.

•A Zydeco Brunch, an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Diners can choose to eat in the Student Union’s Cypress Lake Dining Hall or in front of the Student Union by Cypress Lake. They can take a free shuttle to and from Cajun Field for the football game.