On Dec. 3, South Central Construction magazine bestowed its first ever Owner of the Year honors on Dillard University. President Dr. Marvalene Hughes accepted the award during a ceremony at Boudreaux’s banquet hall in Baton Rouge, La.

“The university was selected from numerous nominated owners,” said South Central Construction Editor-in-Chief Sam Barnes, “based on its work volume, commitment to the community, innovation/vision, sustainability initiatives and reputation. Following Katrina, Dillard doggedly pursued sustainable design after it was tasked with the nearly total reconstruction of the university’s campus.”

Dillard was nominated for the award by Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects, which has helmed campus renovations since 1997. The company teamed with Woodward Design+Build to construct Dillard’s new Professional Schools and Sciences Building. Landis Construction Co. of New Orleans is building the school’s Student Union, Recreation, Health & Wellness Center. Both new buildings are LEED®* registered and due to open in early 2010.

Above: South Central Construction Editor-in-Chief Sam Barnes announced award winners.
Top: Dillard University President Dr. Marvalene Hughes displays Dillard's Owner of the Year award.

*(LEED is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council.)