Chancellor Mark Emmert shared king cake and Cajun music with students in Free Speech Alley Tuesday afternoon for Student Government’s second annual Celebrate Louisiana Week.
Brad Golson, SG assistant diretor of special programs and chairman of Louisiana Week, said they originally planned for Chats with the Chancellor to be held at a different time than the free Cajun music and king cake, but SG wanted a more informal atmosphere for him to talk with students.
“I love it,” Emmert said. “I’m in the University so I can spend time with students. Today I’ve talked to students about public safety, scheduling, and a meeting about student code and conduct.”
While the Chancellor chatted with students, SG passed out free king cake and the Lost Bayou Ramblers from Lafayette played Cajun music to the growing crowd.
Students and faculty walking quickly to class took a few relaxed moments from their day to down the South Louisiana treat and tap their feet while other onlookers grabbed a partner and started to dance.
The event started at 11 a.m., but it seemed the weather wanted to make the event completely Louisiana style by delaying the band with brief showers and chilled winds, only to part the clouds and bring out the sun moments later.
“We want to promote awareness of our culture,” Golson said. “[Louisiana] gets a bad rap, so we want this week to celebrate our culture and uniqueness.”
Also for Celebrate Louisiana Week, Dianee de la Cassas will tell Cajun stories in the International Room of the Union today from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by Cajun comedian Dave Petitjean from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Tiger Lair.
On Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Cajun band Choupique will be in the Tiger Lair along with Cajun dance instructors, and free jambalaya and gumbo.