UL Lafayette’s President Dr. E. Joseph Savoie is taking immediate action on a recommendation he keeps hearing from students, faculty and staff. He’s ordered work crews to begin a cleanup and beautification process that will stretch across campus.
“ One of the consistent concerns that I have heard is about the poor condition of some campus facilities and sidewalks,” said Savoie. “This campus has the advantage of having facilities with very traditional architecture surrounded by beautiful oak trees. Because of past budget restraints, many maintenance issues with these facilities were deferred.”
Several buildings, especially those which sit under trees or in close proximity to trees, have had a buildup of green algae on the bricks.
“ Now, we are ready to get our campus in its best condition,” Savoie continued. “Having a clean and attractive campus is a priority.”
Pressure-washing crews are washing the buildings starting in the Quadrangle and working out to other parts of campus.
“ We are using commercial grade fluid that will keep the buildings cleaner for longer,” said Bill Crist, UL Lafayette’s director for Physical Plant. He estimated this cleanup phase to be especially intensive in the summer months and extend into the Fall semester.
He noted the crews would be back on an as-needed basis in later years to spot clean buildings that sit under Oak trees.
Campus sidewalks are also going to see repairs and some replacement. Crist said maintenance crews have started repairing and replacing broken sidewalks. He noted this project will also stretch across campus with all broken sidewalks being addressed.
Another cleanup project includes the replacement of old windows, Crist said. Those at Maxim Doucet Hall have already been replaced and more across campus are scheduled to be replaced.
“This beautification process is a good example of Dr. Savoie’s management style,” said Julie Simon-Dronet, UL Lafayette’s director for Public Relations and News Services. “He is a keen listener who addresses issues of concern aggressively. He heard consistent comments from students, faculty, staff and the community about the condition of campus and is committed to making the learning environment more attractive and inviting for our students and the community.”