McNeese State University opened the Elizabeth and Leslie Richard Student Union, offering students a modern cafeteria, expanded collaboration spaces, a large event area, and offices, according to a March 17 announcement.
The new facility is intended to provide students with updated amenities and spaces that support both academic and social activities. The building replaces two historic campus facilities—Farrar Hall and Memorial Gymnasium—which were damaged by hurricanes Laura and Delta before being demolished.
Dr. Kedrick Nicholas, interim president of McNeese, said, “The Richard Student Union stands on the footprint of two historic campus facilities, Farrar Hall, built in 1968 and named after the first dean of McNeese Junior College, and Memorial Gymnasium, built in 1949, named to honor the students and faculty of the 1960s who were killed in war. While they both were significantly damaged by hurricanes Laura and Delta and were subsequently demolished, the memory and symbolism of those facilities will live on through the beauty that is presented behind us.”
Nicholas explained that funding for the project came from surplus reserves as well as an investment from the Leslie and Elizabeth Richard estate through the McNeese Foundation. Additional support was provided by several administrations of the McNeese Student Government Association (SGA), which passed legislation to establish a student fee for funding. “On behalf of everyone who will enjoy this facility, I am exceedingly grateful for the past institutional leadership, the Richard estate and the McNeese Foundation, and the students who voted yes to the future of McNeese knowing they wouldn’t see the building before they graduated,” Nicholas said. “This facility will provide students with the opportunity to grow and build memories through all the events and excitement that will occur in the new space.”
Lianne Montelibano, SGA president and a senior from Lake Charles, said she recognizes her role in university history: “It is one thing to learn about history in a textbook or a brochure, but it’s another thing to realize that you are literally standing here, a part of it. Four years ago my peers and I parked our cars right here. Not metaphorically; the parking lot was literally right here. And today it’s a building that will host stressful study sessions, celebrations, breakthroughs and memories for McNeese students.”
The union features various dining options including homestyle cooking stations as well as areas catering to special diets. Offices housed within include those for student government as well as student support services. Collaboration spaces are equipped with internet access; some have mounted screens for group work or meetings.
Montelibano added: “This building is not just new construction but it is a reflection of growth, of progress and continuous investment in the students at McNeese State University. It represents the belief that students deserve spaces that inspire connection, collaboration and most importantly community.”
The opening marks another step in campus development at McNeese State University.
