SU Shreveport cuts ribbon on new classroom building

Southern University Shreveport, Thursday, August 17, 2017, cut ribbon on the first new classroom building on the main campus since the 1950s. The recently constructed $7.5 million, 36,000-square-foot learning facility is named in honor of the late State Senator Alphonse Jackson Jr.

"It is an honor to have a building on our campus with the namesake of the late State Senator Alphonse Jackson Jr., a long time legislator, community organizer, and Southern University advocate," says SUSLA Chancellor Rodney A. Ellis. "We are happy to introduce this state of the art facility to our students, faculty, and local community, who will all benefit."

Lydia and Angela Jackson, daughters of the late Alphonse Jackson Jr., and other friends and family members joined State Representative Barbara Norton, Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler, State Senator Greg Tarver, SU Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Ann Smith and several SU Board members, SU System President-Chancellor Ray Belton, other local and state officials, and members of the SUSLA community for this occasion.

"My dad steadfastly believed that education is the gateway to possibility. Southern University was certainly that passageway in his own life," commented daughter, Lydia Jackson. "Our entire family is excited that Southern University at Shreveport is honoring his legacy of service by naming this new classroom building for him. We are especially proud that the name of Alphonse Jackson Jr. will be forever aligned with the progress of young people in our community."

Alphonse Jackson Jr. Hall at SUSLA features the latest in design, including stadium seating, meeting and conference room space, offices, and at least one area will be a fully functional SMART classroom.

The building will house 15 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) classes and a lecture hall with a seating capacity of 150.

"It has been a long time coming," said Ray Belton, president- chancellor, Southern University System. "I can only think of what it will mean for so many students who will have the opportunity to be exposed to the quality faculty and staff who advance the interest of this institution everyday."

A reception and tours of the building followed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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