Centennial Scholars
The ULM Centennial Scholars program connects northeast Louisiana students set to graduate
high school in 2031 with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the University of Louisiana Monroe.
Instituted in 2021 at his investiture by university President Ron Berry, himself a
ULM alumnus, the objective at the inception of the Centennial Scholars program was
to connect students to the value of reading proficiency in creating a pathway to success
in their future.
The university engages with these students several times annually, providing both
educational and social opportunities on campus. Past engagements include walking in
the Homecoming parade, a Summer 2024 Learning Boot Camp and a spring 2025 inaugural Black History Month Essay Contest.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Parents and Centennial Scholars: stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with
ULM!
History of "Take Flight Through Reading"
In collaboration with area schools and the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, President Berry commissioned a book, There's a Bridge on the Bayou, written by ULM faculty member Cindy G. Foust and illustrated by staff member
Srdjan Marjanovic. The book tells the story of a young Ronald Berry and how both education
and ULM changed the course of his life and delivers a hopeful message through his
own story that students can do and be whatever they set their minds to, as long as they continue to dream.In collaboration with the United Way of Northeast Louisiana, the university published
the book and provided a copy of the book to over 2,000 area third graders during the
2020-21 school year at all elementary schools in the eleven-parish region. Over 100 volunteers assisted the President by reading the book aloud to third graders at nearly each school during the distribution. Each book contains a $500 2031 Centennial Scholarship Award, redeemable by those students upon enrollment
at ULM as freshman in the fall of 2031, ULM's centennial anniversary year.
Get Your Copy!
Now you can have your very own hardback copy of There's a Bridge on the Bayou. 100% of the profits of this book will benefit the ULM Centennial Scholars program.
Buy Your Copy Today!
