- Me and my classmates after attending the press conference where Dr. Francis announced his retirement -
I would like to dedicate my last post of the 2015 spring semester to a legend who happens to be the longest serving university president in the United States: Dr. Norman C. Francis. He ends his 47-year tenure at Xavier University of Louisiana on June 30, 2015, leaving a legacy of leadership and service. Francis enrolled in Xavier in 1948 and became class president each year. After graduating from Xavier with a math degree, he became the first African American to graduate from Loyola’s law school in 1955. Shortly after, he started serving as a private in the army, which gave him the foundation for good leadership he would need later in life. He finally became president of Xavier in 1968.
“I feel good about it. I feel at peace.” – Dr. Francis about his retirement
Watch the Dr. Norman C. Francis Tribute Campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meb7MSmS7ss
I personally met Dr. Francis a few times as an athlete of Xavier Volleyball team and as a staff writer of the Xavier Herald. He always takes his time to speak to students even if he is on a tight schedule. His speeches are touching and filled with wisdom that he is willing to share with others. I have a lot of respect for his legacy and hope we will still see him around at Xavier after his retirement.
More about Dr. Francis on nola.com: http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2014/09/norman_francis_to_retire_after.htm