May 2013 Alumni Update

Those of you who know me personally are well aware that I am not a very good salesperson. However, this month I want to share with you information about some changes in the Cardinal Walk of Honor brick campaign and ask that you give some thought to purchasing a brick.

When the brick campaign first began there were quite a few limitations on what could be engraved on the bricks. Thanks to feedback from a number of alumni, the walkway committee reconsidered some of those restrictions and now there is a great deal more leeway concerning what can be engraved on the bricks. Many additional choices are available, as long as each brick still contains the name of one individual only and a maximum of three lines of text and 16 characters per line.

Now, in addition to name and grad year, an alumnus may include an LU affiliation such as major, degree, athletic team, performing group (such as band or choir), organization or club, fraternity or sorority (Greek letters available), etc. Bricks purchased by or in honor of employees or retirees may now include employment title, department and dates of LU service. Professional titles such as MD, DDS, PE, or PhD may be included at the end of names.

Why should you buy a brick? Well, first there is a practical reason… the walkways in the Quad are in terrible shape and need to be replaced. Those little bitty oak trees we planted in the late 1960s and early 1970s are now giant, beautiful oaks and their roots have taken a toll on the sidewalks. Two hurricanes and just the regular daily foot traffic have also caused wear and tear. The resulting uneven, gapping sidewalks are difficult enough for the majority of students to navigate, much less those who have mobility issues.

The second reason is more about tradition and leaving your mark at your alma mater. Each individual brick will tell something about the person whose name is engraved on it and his or her connection to Lamar University. Walking down the completed Cardinal Walk of Honor, our students, faculty, returning alumni and friends will see a visual symbol of the history of the university and of those who have helped Lamar become what it is today.

So please click here for information about the brick campaign and consider buying a brick, either for yourself or in honor of a favorite faculty member, classmate, frat brother or Cardinal Singers partner… anyone whose affiliation with Lamar deserves to be celebrated. By purchasing a brick, you will honor your connection to LU and help to beautify the Quad all at the same time!

Linda Embs LeBlanc ’75

Director of Alumni Affairs