Celebrating a Century of Leaders
When workers struck oil at Spindletop over 100 years ago, it forever changed the landscape of Southeast
Texas and catapulted the world into the oil age. An important part of Lamar University’s institutional identity is tied to that massive 1901 oil gusher, which set the foundation for South Park Junior College’s creation in 1923. Throughout the twentieth century, Lamar University has served Southeast Texas in a strategic, relevant, and sustainable way as an integral frontrunner in technology and energy education. Our founders wanted education that produced leaders for this region, and they succeeded.
Today, Lamar University is thriving as a boomtown of knowledge. A diverse population of faculty, staff, and students creates a campus culture committed to student engagement and success, and to the advancement of research with relevance that energizes economic development locally, nationally, and around the world.
Over the course of our rich 100-year history, the education we provide is far more versatile, firmly grounded in the humanities and sciences, but with a continued emphasis on practical applications. The result provides a sharp advantage to our graduates as they develop skills for lifelong learning and prepare for the jobs they will have throughout their careers.
As we look toward our second century, now is the time to tap into our strengths and find ways to multiply their impact for the future. With each new strategic investment in research, academic programs, and internships and cooperative education, we extend the influence of Southeast Texas across the entire state and nation. We will need to think creatively about emerging economies to ensure our graduates are the trailblazers of the next century.
What we do next will be transformative because our moment is now.
History
Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas was founded in 1923 a few blocks from the current location as South Park Junior College and enrolled 125 students in its first fall semester. The name changed to Lamar College in 1932 in honor of Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas and the “Father of Education” in Texas. In the early 1940s, Lamar separated from the South Park school district, which had created the college, and moved to its current location.
We want to hear your voice!
Join us as we celebrate 100 years by sharing your Lamar University story.
Celebrations
Homecoming
WHEN: November 4, 2023
WHERE: Provost Umphrey Stadium
TIME: 3:00 p.m.
LU vs. Texas A&M Commerce
vs. 
Lamar Centennial: 100 Years of Magical Memories
WHEN: Friday, November 3
WHERE: Mary and John Gray Library on campus
TIME: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
ACTIVITIES:
The LU Archives and Special Collections with the Center for History and Culture will open an exhibit of LU memorabilia (first floor of the Gray Library at 4:00 p.m.) followed by Judith Linsley's talk on LU's history and a panel of alumni sharing their memories (eighth floor at 4:15 p.m.).