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The Lamar University mascots.
Lamar University, which is now home to more than 17,000, students, was founded in 1923, just a few blocks from its current location and known as “South Park Junior College” and enrolled only 125 students. The name was changed to Lamar College in 1932 to honor the second president of the Republic of Texas and the “Father of Education,” Mirabeau B. Lamar.
In 1951, the school became Lamar State College of Technology, a state-supported four-year institution, the first junior college in Texas to make such a transition. Lamar experienced tremendous growth during the 1950s and 1960s in both the number of students and the number of buildings on campus.
Lamar University, also called “LU,” is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. A member of the Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas, LU maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 100 degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals.
For those who are interested in being a future Cardinal, the university will host a “Spooktacular” open house event Saturday, Oct. 30, as perspective students will get the opportunity to find out more about academic majors, campus life and all LU has to offer during Cardinal “Boo” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We host an open house, twice a year, and this is one of our favorites,” said Karli Padia, Welcome Center Associate Director. “It’s an event for perspective students and their families to come and enjoy the beautiful campus. We want them to imagine themselves eating, sleeping, studying, playing on campus.”
Students will enjoy tours of the 300-acre campus and residence halls, information sessions, which will include scholarships, financial aid and an academic showcase.
“Students will be able to interact with Lamar University students and student organizations,” said Padia. “We have all kinds of stuff line up – the Theatre Department will dance and the College of Engineering will host an interactive haunted house.”
Those in attendance are also encouraged to wear a Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes plus all students will receive a glow-in-the-dark LU History T-shirt.
Padia, from Lumberton, said she chose Lamar University because of its beautiful campus.
“People forget to visit because this university is in their backyard, but it is wonderful. Our faculty and staff are very involved. Lamar University provides a solid education in both books and experience.”
LU is nationally recognized for their quality curriculum for all degree program levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral. The university is also broken into five undergraduate colleges, one graduate college, and an honors college.
With 139 degree programs and $10 million of aid in more than 2,000 scholarships, there is something for everyone at Lamar University.
“Everyone is invited to attend Cardinal ‘Boo’ next Saturday,” said Padia. “When you step off campus next week, our goal is to complete every request you have.”
Preregistration is available online at lamar.edu/cardinal. Cardinal “Boo” will be held rain or shine. Check in begins at 9 a.m. at Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, which is located at 4405 Jimmy Simmons Blvd.
For more information, call (409) 880-8890.