The year 2014 was a banner one for the University of Louisiana at Ā鶹“«Ć½app.
It was also a great one for the city, which gained honors as the āhappiest city in Americaā by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research, USA Todayās No. 1 ābest college town weekend,ā and the No. 2 ābest college townā by Travel + Leisure.
Students, faculty and staff members moved the University forward on several fronts. Here are highlights to recognize some of those accomplishments:
10. New Provost
Dr. James Henderson kicked off the year at UL Ā鶹“«Ć½app as the provost and vice president for academic affairs. Heās already making positive impactsā¦
9. Emergency Effective
University and local officials successfully responded to a bomb threat over the summer. The Universityās bomb dog walked 18 miles, and she was just one of the heroesā¦
8. Interdisciplinary Emphasis
The College of General Studies became University College. Other changes were made to the Honors Program and the new University Connection program to emphasize interdisciplinary studiesā¦
7. Soaring Graduations
The University's graduation rate has risen over 49 percent during the last decade. Raginā Cajun student-athletes bested peersā rates at other Louisiana and conference schools, and the University held its first Summer Commencement since 1949ā¦
6. Officially Geaux
āGeaux CajunsĀ®ā earned federal trademark protection. Geaux Cajuns!ā¦
5. Lane Change
Cyclists traveling campus along St. Mary Boulevard gained new bike lanes. The city also installed bike lanes along St. Landry Street this yearā¦
4. Gaining Respect
The Louisiana Raginā Cajuns Athletics Department ranked No. 34 overall in the U.S., which was partly a nod to its multiple championships wins. Athletics added new seats to the Cajun Field end zone and broke ground on a student-athlete performance centerā¦
3. Landmark Enhancements
The University added public art to its main campus. A statue was revealed to honor its first president. Also, a wall with the Universityās name was constructed on the lawn in front of Martin Hallā¦
2. Historic Enrollment
Total enrollment at the University this Fall was 18,796 students, the highest in the schoolās history and the largest increase among colleges in the state. And, thereās a growing trend of students from out of stateā¦
1. Silicon Bayou
Three IT companies announced they are bringing about 1,000 new jobs into the local economy through partnerships with the University. The average pay is even more impressiveā¦
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