Loyola recently hosted four public events which lasted from Oct. 13 through Oct. 20 to commemorate the renaming of Carrollton Hall to the Blanche and Norman C. Francis Family Hall. The renaming was announced in June of 2022.

The university renamed the hall to honor Loyola’s first Black graduate, Norman C. Francis. These events included Breaking Barriers: Dr. Norman C. Francis’s Impact on Loyola and Higher Education on Oct. 14, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. family cookout on Oct. 15, a film screening of the documentary, “The Life of Dr. Norman C. Francis” on Oct. 19, and a blessing and dedication of the new residence hall on Oct. 20.

According to Kedrick Perry, Loyola’s vice president of equity and inclusion, the purpose of these events was to celebrate Francis and his accomplishments.

Jay Davis, associate director of residential life, mirrored this sentiment and said that the events and name change are intended to highlight the life and legacy of the entire Francis family, including both Norman C. Francis and his wife, Blanche.

After the film screening, Nia Woodside, a junior psychology major, said she was excited by the change.

“He left his mark as the first African-American to graduate from our school, and that is so motivating to people of color on this campus,” Woodside said.

Blakeley Cathey, a mass communication and business junior, also attended the film screening.

Cathey attended “due to … wanting to support the continuation of Norman C Francis’ legacy at Loyola University New Orleans.”

“The name change is a small but important step for Loyola,” said Shelbi Bias, a senior double majoring in finance and accounting. “I appreciate the desire to recognize someone who has done so many amazing things for New Orleans.”