{"id":10267,"date":"2026-07-14T15:46:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T20:46:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nicholls.edu\/news\/?p=10267"},"modified":"2026-07-14T15:46:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T20:46:49","slug":"nicholls-announces-leonard-lasseigne-endowment-to-preserve-campus-live-oaks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nicholls.edu\/news\/2026\/07\/14\/nicholls-announces-leonard-lasseigne-endowment-to-preserve-campus-live-oaks\/","title":{"rendered":"Nicholls Announces Leonard Lasseigne Endowment to Preserve Campus Live Oaks"},"content":{"rendered":"

THIBODAUX, La. \u2013 Walking through Nicholls State University\u2019s campus, one can\u2019t help but notice the beautiful scenery of live oak trees stretching across walkways, providing shaded gathering spaces for students between classes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a landscape that feels like it\u2019s always been here, but the green spaces that define campus today did not happen by accident. They are the living legacy of one man\u2019s vision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Recently, a gathering at the Arlen B. Cenac Sr. Greenhouse celebrated that vision by establishing the Leonard Lasseigne Campus Beautification Endowment. This new fundraising effort is dedicated to preserving the university\u2019s historic campus oaks and green spaces for future generations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Anyone who spends time on our campus knows that what makes the Nicholls landscape so special is our live oak trees,” said President Jay Clune, PhD. “They do so much more than just look beautiful or provide shade. They create spaces where students can gather to eat lunch, take a quick study break between classes or where professors can move a lecture outside on a nice day.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Leonard Lasseigne served as the university\u2019s Director of Grounds for over 32 years, from 1967 to 1999. An honorary alumnus, Lasseigne\u2019s impact on campus began in the early 1950s when he hand-selected and relocated 45 young live oaks from the Georgia Plantation near Labadieville to plant them across campus, shaping the landscape enjoyed by the community today. A place now home to more than 240 trees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking on behalf of the family, his children shared how deeply moving it was to see their father\u2019s life’s work honored. “Our dad didn’t just plant trees; he planted roots for this community. He loved Nicholls deeply, and to know that the oaks he cared for will be protected by this endowment means everything to our family. We are so grateful to see his passion live on.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Trees, like universities, require care to stand the test of time \u2013 and Louisiana storms. To help ensure that these historic trees remain vibrant for years to come and to keep Mr. Leonard\u2019s vision alive, there are different levels to sponsor and name a tree on campus:<\/span><\/p>\n