Biography

The Maroon Jackets, a student organization at Centenary College of Louisiana, serve as hosts and ushers for campus events. Established in 1931 under the direction of the Dean of Women, Mabel Campbell, the organization originally consisted of twelve junior and senior female students. Of the twelve members, nine were affiliated with sororities (three sororities contributing three members each) and three were independents. In their early years, the Maroon Jackets assisted with athletic events, parades, and served as a pep squad and drum line. They served as the official hostesses of the college and city in events such as welcoming parties for opposing athletic teams, homecomings, convocations, open houses, chapel services, dinners, and graduations. During the 1940s, the organization held an annual party at the Cross Lake home of Ray Williams, a Shreveport florist and civic leader, who was recognized as an honorary Maroon Jacket. In 1979, the organization opened its membership to male students. In September 1987, the Maroon Jackets’ president stated the organization intended to “make themselves more visible to the Shreveport community and on campus.”

At the time of this writing in 2017, the Maroon Jackets are composed of senior students, and they still serve as hosts of the college, conduct campus tours, and assist at graduation and various campus functions. Members are selected on the basis of scholarship, participation in activities, leadership, and service.

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