The tune of Tiger Band’s pregame routine rang from the steps of the Capitol on Thursday as the University celebrated LSU Day downtown.Students and administrators joined state legislators in the Capitol’s cavernous halls to celebrate the University’s sesquicentennial.The Bengal Brass Band joined the Golden Girls and cheerleaders serenading a group of 100 administrators, legislators and tourists.Chancellor Michael Martin said the event was more than a photo opportunity for the University.”It reminds the legislature and general public that LSU is different,” Martin said. The day started with the Senate passing a resolution recognizing and congratulating the University on its 150-year anniversary.The resolution gives a short history of the University and elaborates on the institution’s accomplishments before thanking the University for its leadership.The House passed a similar resolution.The Senate recognized eight University students and a faculty member for accomplishments in academics, sports and research.It congratulated sociology senior Devon Wade for being named a Truman Scholar.”It’s cool just to know that they care about education and students and appreciate their achievements,” Wade said. Kathy Smith, mathematics senior, was recognized for receiving a Phi Kappa Phi fellowship.”It’s great to represent LSU this way and show we don’t only excel in athletics,” Smith said.About 10 University organizations set up displays showing their accomplishments.”How else would these people know about these designs and great projects?” asked Jack Tourress, mechanical engineering senior. Mechanical engineering students spent two semesters designing, building and testing a mobile deer stand that can be transported by a single person as their capstone project. The deer stand in the Capitol lobby, contrasting the marble walls.Students said the displays can show the legislators the real implications of their studies.”We can really show people that engineering isn’t just sitting behind a desk crunching numbers,” said Elizabeth Beard, mechanical engineering senior.The House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs passed a resolution earlier in the day giving the University the authority to raise tuition.If passed, the bill would let citizens vote on a constitutional amendment to exempt higher education from restrictions imposed on fee increases.Raising tuition requires a two-third vote by both bodies of the legislature.- – – -Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at [email protected]