Faculty, students, alumni and Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia dedicated the $10-million renovations Paul M. Hebert Law School in a ceremony Friday.
The renovations began as the brainchild of Chancellor John J. Costonis. When applying for the position of chancellor, Costonis toured the facilities and was “appalled by its ravages.”
The law school was constructed from 1935 to 1937 by Huey P. Long, who wanted the Old Law Building to resemble the United States’ Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.
Last renovated in 1969, the school’s facilities needed repair. Costonis received funding from state and private donors. The renovations include a “renewal of the physical building and spirit of the Law Center,” said Costonis. Funds from the Louisiana legislature and Governor Mike Foster provided Costonis with financial support to proceed with the renovations.
“Governor Foster put as much money into the renovations as legislatively possible,” said Bernard Boudreaux, Executive Council to the Governor.
Following an open house and tours of the renovated Law School, the Law School held a dedication ceremony on the Parade Ground. Speakers from LSU’s alumni group, as well as present students and faculty commended the Chancellor for his perseverance to the renovations.
“The dedication service is a fresh start for the Paul M. Hebert Law Center in the 21st century,” said Costonis.
Professor Howard L’Enfant expressed his appreciation and gratitude of the new renovations, which provide a better learning environment for the students.
“It is good to note and celebrate what has not changed-the education for our students, challenging them,” said L’Enfant.
Brian Hightower, president of the LSU Student Bar Association said the renovations create through physical architecture a living space that is the very best for students.
Special guest Justice Antonin Scalia delivered the keynote address. He commended the facilities’ improvements and directed his speech toward faculty, students, friends and supporters. He encouraged faculty to continue teaching because teaching has a lasting impact on students. He advised students to embrace all aspects of the law because “only in law school can you study the entire body of law systematically.” Scalia encouraged alumni and supports to stay connected to the law school and its curriculum.
The first phase of the renovations is complete, and the second phase will begin in 2004. A new breezeway and an escalator provide easy access to the two law buildings, and faculty offices were renovated, as well as the Chancellor’s suite.
Third-year student Mike Villa said new computers and more Internet hook-ups in the library make the Internet more accessible.
Conference rooms, a coffee shop, a renovated section for rare books and new seminar rooms added to the facilities. Classrooms, exterior windows and the auditorium were renovated.
“I wasn’t here to see the state of the facilities before the renovations began, but the facilities are very nice and accessible,” said first-year law student Wendel Stout. “If possible, I would like more power outlets for laptops in the libraries.”