When entering any building on campus, it’s hard not to notice the hustle and bustle created by students hurrying to classes. The everyday noises from the hallways mixed with the various ringtones of cellphones become predictable upon entering and exiting these buildings.
This all spells busy, busy busy! Most of these structures’ frequent “visitors” seldom pause to think…what’s behind their namesakes. All of the buildings on campus have notable titles, which have been used to represent the great leaders who have made contributions to Southern University’s long archival history.
“Knowing Southern University’s history is so important. Southern has a long and rich history,” said Patricia Flood, coordinator of special events.
Southern University, itself is one of the oldest, well-known institutes of higher learning in the world. The buildings that make up its campus are no different.
Across from the Lee Hall is Thrift Hall. This building houses the Department of family and consumer sciences-in the old days it was called Home Economics. This building of vast importance is named after Pinkie Etoilia Thrift. Thrift presided as the director of the division of home economics for over 20 years at Southern University.
Located on the corner of Elton C. Harrison Drive and Roosevelt Steptoe Avenue is T.T. Allain Hall. Allain was a Baton Rouge businessman and politician and was one of the most beneficial sponsors of the huge movement that helped the establishment of Southern University in the year of 1880. The building is home to the department of mathematics, business, economics and foreign languages.
When most students become hungry and want home cooking they proceed towards the back of campus to the popular Mayberry Dining Hall. “Caf”, as it is called, is located across from Southern University’s Museum of Art and is known for providing students with meals everyday.
This establishment was named after Emma Nesbitt Mayberry, who was Southern’s first director of home economics. She rendered more than 26 years of service to Southern University as a professor, head of the boarding department and women’s dormitories.
Located on the corner of Harding Blvd. and Harrison Ave. is the place known for health education, physical fitness and therapeutic recreation, to name a few is in Seymour Gym. It is commonly referred to as plain “Seymour” or the men’s gym.
Clifford T. Seymour chaired Southern’s department of leisure and recreation services from1958-1986. Mr. Seymour had the longest tenure of a department head in the Southern University’s History.
Most students have to take Biology or work in a lab, which is located in the building called Fisher Hall.
Professor John W. Fisher graduated from Southern University in the year of 1932. He was also a professor and the director of the division of agriculture for 19 years. Mr. Fisher was a leader in the “Agricultural Workers of the South Organization.”
The edifice that most students take any type of English class is Harris Hall.
This newly renovated building was named after Thomas H. Harris who was the state superintendent of public education in Louisiana from 1908-1940. Harris Hall houses the department of english, admissions, the registrar’s office and the office of student media.
When looking for research information the library is the best place to go.
John B. Cade Library was named after Dean John Brother Cade Sr. who was the principal of the Southern University Laboratory School. He was also the Dean of Southern University 1939-1961. He established the archives of Black Louisiana History at Southern University.
With this month focused on Black History Month, we must remember the African American leaders that made a difference on Southern University’s campus. In homage to these great individuals all of the buildings on campus are named after great professors, department chairs, abolitionists, historians and directors.
