Still processing the name change to LSU New Orleans.
UNO becomes LSU New Orleans
The announcement and approval of a name change for the University of New Orleans generates mixed feelings. In high school and as a UNO undergrad, I was proudly in the “Fuck LSU!” camp, particularly as we lobbied for the Lakefront Arena through the Student Government Association. You’d think I would be adamantly opposed to this name change/re-branding, but I’m more open to the notion.
Not your father’s UNO
Its more than just the switch from the LSU System to the University of Louisiana system and back to LSU now. When I graduated (BA, Secondary Education) in 1980, there were 25K+ students on the lakefront. Now, enrollment is more like 7K. There’s legit reasons for this dramatic drop that require a history post to explain. Given the downsizing the school experienced, it didn’t feel like a horribly bad decision. The basketball advocates favor the return to the LSU fold. That makes sense, since LSU is more of a minor league sports holding company than university anyway.
Academics
The drop in enrollment the school’s endured took a toll on the faculty. It’s not that the quality of teachers dropped as much as the…looking for the right word…stature, maybe…of the faculty has diminished. A great example of this is Stephen Ambrose. Ambrose raised the university’s profile dramatically, through his writing, particularly “Band of Brothers,” and the creation of the National World War II Museum. The Chemistry Department produced some ground-breaking research. Naturally, the teachers on that level moved on to better offers and positions. It’s the way of the world.
Will returning to the LSU System help boost the faculty? I’m no expert, but will be monitoring this.
Silver and Blue
I don’t see a problem with the name change. If the branding experts think being “LSU” brings something to the table that will keep the school moving forward, OK. I most definitely do not want UNO going purple and gold. I’m glad Master P agrees with me. In the 1930s, Brother Martin Hernandez, SC, changed the colors of St. Aloysius High School from purple and gold to crimson and white, mainly because the former were LSU’s colors. I see no reason an LSU-New Orleans can’t still be silver and blue. I’ll miss the seal (see my polo shirt), of course.
Further monitoring
The media present the change as a fait accompli, but it’s all nebulous at this point. Hopefully we can, at a minimum, influence the colors.
