Southern University at New Orleans – Park Campus

From the ashes of Hurricane Katrina, Southern University at New Orleans – Park Campus rose, a testament to resilience. Southern University at New Orleans, or SUNO as it’s affectionately known, has a history as vibrant as the city it calls home. Imagine standing here in 1959. The air buzzes with excitement as SUNO opens its doors for the first time. A mere 158 freshmen, one building, and fifteen faculty members begin a journey, a journey of education and empowerment. SUNO’s birth was a direct response to the civil rights movement. Local activists, led by A.P. Tureaud, pushed for a public higher learning institution for African American students. Their efforts culminated in the Louisiana Legislature establishing SUNO as a branch of Southern University in Baton Rouge in 1956. The university’s location in Pontchartrain Park, a historically African American neighborhood, added to its significance. Over the years, SUNO grew, facing challenges and celebrating triumphs. A lawsuit in 1964 opened the university to all races, regardless of color. The Louisiana Constitution of 1974 designated SUNO as a full campus of the Southern University System. This cemented its place as a vital part of Louisiana’s educational landscape. Then came 2005. Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, leaving SUNO devastated. Floodwaters reached as high as eleven feet inside the buildings. The campus was unusable. Yet, the spirit of SUNO remained unbroken. Classes temporarily relocated to Baton Rouge. A temporary campus, the Lake Campus, opened in 2006, allowing students to return to New Orleans and continue their education. The resilience of the students and faculty was astounding. Despite initial projections of low enrollment, over 2,100 students returned. SUNO not only survived, it thrived. New buildings rose, including the first residence halls in the university’s history. An Information Technology Center and a College of Business and Public Administration building were added to the Lake Campus. The university rebuilt stronger than before. Four new buildings emerged, thanks to an $82 million grant from FEMA. These included the Millie M. Charles School of Social Work Building, a Natural Sciences Building, an Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Building, and a new Education Building. Southern University at New Orleans – Park Campus stands as a symbol of hope. It is a testament to the power of education and the enduring human spirit. It’s a reminder that even after the most devastating storms, we can rebuild and emerge stronger than before.