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A Message from the Chancellor

When it comes to people, most people would prefer not to call attention to their age.  Not so with us.  This 2008-2009 academic year marks The University of New Orleans 50th Anniversary – giving us plenty of reasons to celebrate. 

LSUNO was established by act of the Louisiana Legislature in 1956 as the “New Orleans branch of Louisiana State University.”  It officially opened its doors on September 5, 1958, with 63 faculty members and 1,498 students registered.  Full-time tuition was $15 per semester.  Four days later, the first African American students enrolled and the University was off and running. 

Under the direction and leadership of a visionary chancellor, Homer L. Hitt, LSUNO would establish its presence as an institution welcoming all students, of all races, rich or poor, but with the expectation that a student could achieve his or her highest academic potential.  For the first time, students of modest means, often first-generation college students, had the same opportunity to go to a first-rate institution of higher learning as their peers.  For that reason, if no other, we can all hold the greatest sense of pride in what our University has contributed to this community.  Our graduates, many of whom still reside in the New Orleans area, have achieved a greater prosperity for themselves, their families and this city because of their education at UNO.

In celebration of this University’s achievements, we ask that you come join us. We want you to participate in the many events and exhibits planned.  We want you to come back to the campus, to tour the buildings, to meet our current students, to visit with faculty, to enjoy a lecture, to listen to jazz.  A calendar of events for all things 50th can be found by visiting www.uno.edu and clicking the 50th anniversary button on the home page.   

A celebration such as this one is a time to reflect on and celebrate the many contributions this University has made to the city and the region, as well as to look forward to the future, to our next 50 years, and to our continuing place as innovative leaders.   Many future projects are already on the drawing board and will be rolled out as this year continues.

Above all, UNO will continue to honor our principle commitment - to provide a distinctive education to our students that will allow them to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives they touch both now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Chancellor