Tiger fans across the state celebrated the University’s 150-year history by tuning into a 53-minute documentary that premiered March 10 as part of the University’s sesquicentennial.
The documentary, titled “Forever LSU,” is the product of a partnership between the University and Louisiana Public Broadcasting. The film premiered on LPB and was streamed live on the LPB Web site.
The sesquicentennial student subcommittee held a screening for the film in the Live Oak Lounge that night.
Hind Elsanousy, sesquicentennial student subcommittee secretary, said learning about the University’s history through the documentary made her feel closer to LSU.
“I don’t know LSU history; I know LSU football,” she said. “Learning the history makes me feel more connected to the University.”
Mechanical engineering sophomore Kori Lutenbacher said she was interested in the part of the documentary detailing Thomas and David Boyd, two former presidents of the University.
“I didn’t know who the Boyds were, but I see their name on buildings I go into all the time,” said Lutenbacher, who watched the premiere in the Live Oak Lounge.
Civil engineering sophomore John Taylor said he enjoyed the story of the beginning of LSU football, which was introduced on campus in 1893, according to the documentary.
Herb Vincent, associate vice chancellor of University Relations, said in the film the sport was originally rough and played with minimal padding and no helmets.
The Tigers were successful early on and enjoyed an undefeated season in 1908. Vincent said, though it is not official, many people regard that season as the Tigers’ first national championship.
In addition to athletics, the film covers the University’s history from its Pineville beginnings in 1860 through the present. Aaron Looney, an editor for LSU Public Affairs, said the documentary focuses on how the University has been a large part of people’s lives for the past 150 years.
“It was very enriching to go through LSU history and talk to people about how LSU has impacted their lives and the lives of everyone in the community, the state of Louisiana and the whole world,” Looney said.
The idea for the documentary originated about two years ago, with intense production taking place last year, said Ed Dodd, co-producer of the film and University Relations director of radio, television and photography.
“Forever LSU” was directed by LPB senior producer Tika Laudun, who also directed the documentary “Louisiana: A History.” Dodd said the partnership with LPB was vital to the making of an LSU documentary.
“It was a co-production, and we couldn’t have done it without each other,” Dodd said. “If it is successful, they’re as responsible as we are.”
The film covered many topics, including the University’s military history and on-campus architecture, Looney said.
With 150 years of material to include, Dodd said editing was the most difficult part of the project.
“The biggest problem was trying to fit as much as we could in 53 minutes,” he said. “That was the really difficult part, trying to hone it down.”
Contact Ryan Buxton at [email protected]