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January 06, 2006

Indian Mosaic to Be Stored for Later Restoration

Who says new and improved can’t exist simultaneously with the treasured past?

On Jan. 4, the University of Louisiana at Monroe witnessed the dismantling of the over 40-year-old Indian mosaic formerly displayed on the Student Union Building, due to ongoing renovations.

The new building façade will be comprised of brick and storefront glass. The area formerly occupied by the historic Ouachita Indian depiction required demolition, though the mosaic itself was carefully removed first. The 1” by 1” tiles were saved to allow later restoration and display in a conspicuous location on campus.

In 1959, after a university committee extensively researched options, it settled on the Ouachita Indian as the chosen image to unify the various mascot depictions. Edward E. Schutz, one of the art instructors, rendered the formal portrait for the exterior of the Student Union Building.

The Student Union renovations were planned prior to the current mascot committee efforts in deciding the status of the ULM Indian mascot. No matter the outcome, ULM will retain the mosaic as a piece of its 75-year history.

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