On Higher Ground: The University of New Orleans at Fifty

 

By Dr. Robert Dupont

 

Nonfiction

ISBN: 0-9728143-5-3

Fall 2008

 

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In September, 1958, The University of New Orleans opened its doors to its first freshman class.  At the time, UNO (then called LSUNO) utilized the barracks, hangers and other buildings left over from the Naval Air Station which occupied the site from 1941 – 1957.

In fifty short years, UNO has become one of the state's leading universities.

 

 

Interesting facts:

• The area UNO occupies was, until the late 1920s, part of Lake Pontchartrain. The New Orleans Levee Board reclaimed the land as part of a large project from West End up to the Industrial Canal.

• Political pressure from public school parents helped to prod the state legislature to establish UNO.  Among the most active groups were PTAs from St. Bernard Parish.

• Mayor Morrison wanted UNO to be located downtown in City Hall buildings made vacant by the construction of the new City Hall on Loyola Ave.

• Earl Long fought Mayor Morrison and the New Orleans Levee Board to be certain that UNO received all of the Naval Air Station land.

• Education officials estimated that the UNO first-year enrollment would be 750; nearly 1500 enrolled.