Elite Results: Programs

Creating One-of-a-Kind Learning Spaces

With the recent renovation of the Huey P. Long Field House, current and future generations of Tigers will benefit from a one-of-a-kind experience: The 11,356 square feet of high-tech lab spaces includes the Rathbone Human Anatomy & Cadaver Lab. LSU is the only university in the state where undergraduates have access to prosection (i.e., dissection by an experienced anatomist) and dissection anatomy courses, giving them valuable, hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art facility and an added advantage when applying to medical degree programs. When the classes started in 2007, they were held at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. A gift from the Rathbone family provided the opportunity to develop an expanded lab within the School of Kinesiology as part of the Field House renovations.

Dr. Monroe J. Rathbone Jr. was a renowned Baton Rouge surgeon and two-time LSU graduate. His wife, fellow LSU graduate Barbara F. Rathbone, is remembered as a community leader and prolific volunteer. When the opportunity to name the space came to them, the Rathbones’ son, Monroe Jackson “Jack” Rathbone IV, and his wife, Randee, knew it was an opportunity to pay tribute to his parents’ legacy.

“The new Rathbone Human Anatomy & Cadaver Laboratory will set LSU apart from most other top-notch universities,” Jack said. “While there are many good schools to study the human anatomy, few have cadaver labs to raise the level of learning to a much greater degree. This lab will draw the best students from around the country. Additionally, it will provide advanced and continuing educational training to medical professionals across the state. I’m so proud to have my parents’ names associated with such an advanced educational institution.”

Roland Mitchell, dean of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, said, “The challenges that face our state are great, but our commitment to innovation and research that positively impacts people and communities is greater. Endowed gifts like this one are critical to our success; they allow us to boldly pursue issues and challenges that are relevant and timely.”

The Huey P. Long Field House re-opened this fall, welcoming thousands of LSU students, faculty, and staff into a revitalized space for learning and collaboration.

Jack reflected, “I hope my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other ‘grands’ for generations to come will attend LSU and see their grandparents’ names listed in association with such an incredible institution. Few things are more important than the higher education of the human anatomy. Randee and I are very proud to help make that happen.”