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April 15, 2002

ULM Announces "Reclaiming Our Campus" Campaign

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is pleased to announce "Reclaiming Our Campus", a comprehensive volunteer clean-up, fix-up effort designed to improve the physical campus. "Reclaiming Our Campus" is designed as a year-long effort that will include not only general painting and cleaning of campus buildings, but also accelerated beautification efforts among campus greenways and around campus buildings, as well as concentrated refurbishing efforts within the residence halls. It is a first step in a long-range plan called for last week by ULM President James E. Cofer to improve and maintain the general appearance of the campus, both buildings and grounds.

ULM's First Lady, Deborah Cofer, will serve as Honorary Chairperson of the campaign, and is asking both campus and community volunteers to join her in support of the effort. "Our primary goal for the 'Reclaiming Our Campus' project is to bring together all members of our community who have a vested interest in making our University the very best it can be", said Mrs. Cofer. "We invite all interested persons, both on and off-campus, to roll up their sleeves and join with us as we reclaim the beauty of our campus."

ULM faculty and students will kick-off the campaign, with community volunteers from area Chambers of Commerce, businesses, civic groups, garden clubs, and others coming on board soon after. The initial event is scheduled for Saturday, April 27th, and will involve ULM faculty and students who are "adopting" academic buildings to clean and paint on that day. After taking a brief break for final examinations and Commencement, the "Reclaiming Our Campus" campaign will be joined by community volunteers and will continue throughout the summer and into the fall until the work is completed.

ULM's Office of Facilities and Planning is working with the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs to develop a needs inventory which will serve as the blueprint for the planned campus renewal. Academic buildings identified as those needing the most immediate attention include Stubbs Hall, Garrett Hall, the Nursing Building, and Hanna Hall. Building areas targeted include classrooms, corridors, and stairwells.

"We are not limiting our efforts to these particular buildings, nor will we complete this project in a single day, " said Mrs. Cofer. "There will be many opportunities throughout
the summer for volunteers to work in other areas around campus. We will be grateful for their help and will arrange for them to participate wherever and however they wish."

Key to the success of this effort will be the participation of individuals and groups from outside of the University campus. The University is actively seeking support from area businesses and will be soliciting donations of both materials as well as employee volunteers to adopt either an entire residence hall or floor, or particular area within a building or on the grounds. In addition, area garden clubs and civic groups will be invited to donate their time and expertise to the project.

Joining Mrs. Cofer in helping to direct the multi-phase campaign is a cross-section of community leaders who have agreed to serve on the "Reclaiming Our Campus" Steering Committee. These volunteers will serve as liaisons between ULM and the greater community. They include Angela Mayo, teacher with the Monroe School System and wife of Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo; Dr. Joe McGahan, ULM Professor of Psychology; Steve Mintz, fee-only financial advisor and beautification advocate; Tom Nicholson, Strauss Interests; Biddie Norris, teacher at West Monroe High School and wife of West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris; and John Schween, Breck Construction Company.

ULM faculty and staff members who will serve on the "Reclaiming Our Campus" Implementation Committee include Steve Richters, Interim Provost and VP for Academic

Affairs, who will serve as Chairperson; Neil Douglas, retired ULM Professor; Bruce Flemming, West Monroe City Planner; Anna Hill, President of the ULM Faculty Senate; Ms. Pam Jackson, Director of Student Housing; Anne Lockhart, Director of Development; Charles McDonald, Dean of Student Affairs; Larry McDonald, Assistant Athletics Director; Traci Murphy, ULM Head Athletic Trainer and sponsor of TEAM ULM; Keith Parker, ULM School of Construction; Pam Shepherd, Director of Alumni Relations; Cliff Tresner, Chairman of the Faculty Senate's Environment Committee; Bill Weirick, Director of Facilities and Planning; and the President of the ULM Student Government Association.

ULM invites all interested individuals and groups wishing to participate either on April 27th or in the weeks to follow to contact ULM's Office of the President at 342-1010 and speak with Dr. Richard Hood for details. Companies or civic groups who would like to donate materials and/or volunteer labor are also encouraged to call. Those preferring to offer their help through e-mail should send that information to rhood@ulm.edu.

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