The Louisiana Supreme Court recently held a ceremony in New Orleans to honor Dr. Norman C. Francis, President Emeritus of Xavier University of Louisiana. The event, which took place at the Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr. Courthouse, featured the unveiling of a bust of Dr. Francis, which will be displayed in the courthouse. Attorney Tim Francis, Dr. Francis's son, assisted in organizing the ceremony.
Several notable figures spoke at the event, including Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice John L. Weimer, Justice Piper D. Griffin, Justice John Michael Guidry, Justice Cade R. Cole, and Xavier University's current President, Dr. Reynold Verret. Retired Justice Scott J. Crichton was also in attendance.
Chief Justice Weimer praised Dr. Francis stating, “You have earned a place here today as an attorney, a role model, and a mentor and you bring to this building diversity that will be displayed here, and that is reflective of the rich diversity of our state.”
Justice Griffin, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies, added, “Why would the Supreme Court honor Dr. Francis? Dr. Francis is a lawyer who first practiced law before becoming the president of Xavier University.”
A significant number of judges and legal professionals, including many Xavier alumni, attended to honor Dr. Francis for his contributions. Appointed president of Xavier University by Saint Katharine Drexel in 1968, Dr. Francis became the first layperson and African American president of a Catholic university in the U.S., serving for 47 years. Under his leadership, Xavier became a leader in training pharmacists and sending students to medical schools. He also played a pivotal role in civil rights and post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.
Dr. Francis, a 1952 Xavier University graduate, earned his JD from Loyola University Law School in 1955, becoming its first African American graduate. The bust of Dr. Francis is placed near a portrait of civil rights attorney A.P. Tureaud in the State Wing of the Law Library of Louisiana.
The Louisiana Supreme Court reiterates its mission to preserve the integrity of the judiciary and ensure justice administration. For further details, contact Trina S. Vincent at tvincent@lasc.org or (504) 310-2590.