Southeastern Louisiana University Gets Official State Shout-Out for 100 Years of Service

This resolution is the legislative equivalent of a giant, formal birthday card from the state Senate to Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU). It’s a pure commendation, celebrating the university’s Centennial—its 100th anniversary—and acknowledging its long history of service to Louisiana and the U.S. Basically, the state is taking a moment to formally recognize that SLU has been doing good work for a century.

The History Lesson: From Junior College to University

The resolution walks through SLU’s timeline, which is pretty interesting. It started in 1925, not as a university, but as Hammond Junior College, kicked off by a bond issue approved by voters in Tangipahoa Parish. Think about that: a local community investing directly in higher education when it was just 40 students and 5 teachers. The school grew steadily, acquiring land in 1927 and officially joining the state system in 1928, changing its name to Southeastern Louisiana College. The big jump came in 1970 when it finally earned the title of Southeastern Louisiana University. This history isn't just trivia; it shows how deeply embedded the institution is in the region's development.

What the State is Praising Today

Fast forward to now, and the Senate is commending SLU for serving over 15,000 students across five colleges and schools. The resolution specifically calls out the university’s excellence in key areas like education, business, and nursing. For regular folks, this is the recognition that SLU is a major economic and workforce engine—the place that trains the teachers, nurses, and business leaders who keep the state running. If you’ve got a kid in school, a family member in the hospital, or a colleague running a local business, there’s a good chance an SLU alum is involved.

The Real-World Impact (or Lack Thereof)

Since this is a ceremonial resolution, there are no new laws, no new taxes, and no changes to your existing regulations. It’s entirely positive, offering public recognition and affirmation for a major state educational institution. The only required action is purely administrative: the Senate is directing the Secretary of the Senate to send enrolled copies of this official commendation to the university’s President, Provost, and Vice President for University Advancement. So, while it won't change your commute or your paycheck, it’s a nice nod to the people who are educating the next generation of Louisiana’s workforce.