NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Loyola University New Orleans

The recipient entity's physical address:
           6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           6363 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  8946

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $2,650,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Toya Barnes-Teamer, 2601 Gentilly Boulevard New Orleans LA 70122
Lisa Baudot, 601 Poydras Street 28th Floor New Orleans LA 70130
Rev. John Brown, 4133 Banks Street New Orleans LA 70119
Rev. John Cecero, 441 E. Fordham Rd. Bronx NY 10458
Rev. Thomas Curran, 3333 Regis Boulevard M-12 Denver CO 80221
W. Penn Dawson, 1575 Calhoun Street New Orleans LA 70118
Rev. Andrew Downing, 3700 "O" St., NW Washington DC 20057
Benjamin Fields, 205 West 119 Street 2C New York NY 10026
Caroline Gonzalez, 95 Harbor Town Square no. 301 Memphis TN 38103
Sonja Greenbaum, 3927 Parian Ridge Road, NW Atlanta GA 30327
Ryan Haas, 8401 N. Central Expy. Suite 910 Dallas TX 75225
Nancy Hairston, PO 140560 Dallas TX 75214
Deborah Jones, 870 High Street Suite 2 Chestertown MD 21620
Dr. Rachel Kent, 60 Stonehedge Place Boxborough MA 1719
Dennis Lauscha, 5800 Airline Drive Metairie LA 70003
Rev. Brian Linnane, 1419 Salt Springs Road Syracuse NY 13214
Dr. Diana Pallais, 3617 Meridian Avenue N. Seattle WA 98103
Gregory Rattler, 3035 Octavia Street New Orleans LA 70125
Lisa Osborne Ross, 18911 New Hampshire Avenue Brinklow MD 20862
Christopher Schouest, 2901 Moss Street Lafayette LA 70501
Dr. Leonardo Seoane, 1514 Jefferson Highway, BH#523 New Orleans LA 70121
Tod Smith, 127 Pinehurst Drive New Orleans LA 70131
Cherrell Simms Taplin, 701 Poydras Street, Suite 5000 New Orleans LA 70139
Rev. John Thiede, 1345 West Wells Street Milwaukee WI 53233
Conrad "Duke" Williams, 614 Gravier Street New Orleans LA 70130
Xavier Cole, President, Office of the President, 6363 St. Charles Avenue 221 Marquette Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118
Kyle Gregore, Director of Facilities, 6363 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118-6143
Amy King, Director of Office for Accessible Education, Monroe Library 2nd Floor 6363 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70118


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Loyola University New Orleans seeks state funding to implement a comprehensive campus accessibility improvement initiative designed to remove physical barriers, modernize aging facilities, and expand equitable access to educational programs, residential accommodations, athletic facilities, performing arts spaces, and other campus resources for individuals with disabilities.
Loyola's campus includes historic and aging buildings, many of which present accessibility challenges that affect students, faculty, staff, and visitors. These challenges include inaccessible restrooms, classrooms without appropriate accessible furnishings or layouts, limited wheelchair access to athletic and performance facilities, insufficient accessible routes between buildings, and barriers within residential and outdoor spaces. These conditions can restrict participation in university activities, require the relocation of classes and programs, and limit the ability of individuals with disabilities to navigate campus independently.
The proposed initiative would address identified accessibility needs through improvements to the University Sports Complex, including restrooms, locker rooms, sports medicine facilities, and vertical access; campuswide classroom renovations and accessible furnishings; modifications to residence halls, sidewalks, pedestrian passageways, outdoor gathering areas, and parking facilities; installation of accessible restroom doors and drainage improvements at Bobet Hall; and installation of a wheelchair platform lift and interior stage-access ramp at CMM Roussel Hall.
The request also includes a comprehensive architectural and accessibility assessment of campus buildings and grounds to identify existing barriers, evaluate applicable accessibility requirements, and establish a prioritized plan for future improvements. In conjunction with this assessment, Loyola proposes to develop a campuswide ADA accessibility map identifying accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, parking areas, and pedestrian routes to assist students, employees, and visitors in navigating the campus safely and independently.
These improvements would be implemented through a coordinated approach that prioritizes documented accessibility barriers, the needs of individuals with disabilities, and the effective use of state resources. The initiative is intended to improve accessibility in facilities that support instruction, student services, residential life, athletics, cultural programming, and community engagement.
Through this investment, Loyola seeks to reduce barriers to higher education, strengthen its ability to serve individuals with disabilities, and provide a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable campus for the University community and the people of Louisiana.


What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $2,650,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Yes

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Loyola University New Orleans seeks state funding to improve accessibility throughout its campus, remove physical barriers to educational programs and facilities, and ensure that students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities have equitable opportunities to participate fully in university life.
Providing access to a diverse student population is fundamental to Loyola's educational mission and Jesuit values. The University recognizes disability as an integral aspect of human diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment in which individuals of all abilities can learn, work, live, and participate in academic, athletic, cultural, and community activities.
Loyola's campus includes historic and aging facilities that present accessibility challenges, including barriers in classrooms, residence halls, athletic facilities, performance spaces, restrooms, elevators, and pedestrian pathways. These conditions can limit independent access, require special accommodations or relocation of activities, and create obstacles to full participation in educational and campus programs.
The requested state investment will support targeted accessibility improvements, including accessible classroom furnishings, residential and athletic facility renovations, elevator installation, accessible stage and orchestra pit access, restroom modifications, improved pedestrian routes and drainage, and campuswide accessibility mapping. A comprehensive accessibility assessment will also allow the University to identify remaining barriers, prioritize improvements, and establish a coordinated plan for future investments.
These improvements serve a broader public purpose by expanding access to higher education, supporting the participation and success of students with disabilities, and ensuring that Loyola's educational, cultural, and community resources are accessible to the people of Louisiana. By removing physical barriers and improving campus navigation, the University will reduce reliance on individualized workarounds, promote greater independence and safety, and strengthen its ability to serve students and community members of varying abilities.

Through this investment, Loyola seeks to create a more accessible, equitable, and sustainable campus while advancing its commitment to educational opportunity, inclusion, and the responsible stewardship of facilities that serve both the University and the broader Louisiana community.


What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          1. University Sports Complex Accessibility — $800,000

Funding will address accessibility barriers in restrooms, locker rooms, sports medicine facilities, elevators, and circulation routes. Existing conditions have prevented injured student-athletes using wheelchairs from accessing essential facilities. Improvements will enhance safety and equitable participation in athletic and recreational programs.

2. Campuswide Classroom Accessibility — $400,000

Funding will provide accessible classroom furniture, improved layouts, and circulation modifications. These improvements will reduce the need to relocate classes or adjust schedules to accommodate students with disabilities, promoting equitable access to academic programs.

3. Residence Hall, Pathway, and Parking Accessibility — $150,000

Funding will support accessible residential accommodations, restroom modifications, curb cuts, sidewalks, and improvements to campus gathering areas, including the Danna Student Center courtyard. ADA-related parking improvements will also be included. An October 30, 2026, contractor proposal estimates parking restriping and associated work at $92,963.24. Facilities will verify the ADA-related scope, and eligible improvements will be accommodated within the existing allocation without additional funding.

4. Comprehensive Campus Accessibility Assessment — $500,000

Funding will support professional assessments of accessibility barriers across academic, residential, athletic, and administrative facilities, including entrances, restrooms, elevators, parking, and pedestrian routes. The assessment will identify deficiencies, recommend corrective measures, estimate costs, and prioritize improvements to guide future investments and compliance efforts.

5. Campuswide ADA Accessibility Map — $100,000

Funding will develop a comprehensive digital and accessible campus map identifying accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, parking, pathways, and alternative routes. The map will improve navigation and independence for students, employees, and visitors with disabilities.

6. Bobet Hall Accessibility and Drainage — $500,000

Funding will address restroom accessibility, sidewalk conditions, and drainage deficiencies. Batture LLC's October 15, 2026, assessment identified recurring flooding at three entrances, including two accessible entrances, and excessive sidewalk slopes. Proposed solutions include drainage improvements, sidewalk regrading, and permeable paving. Final scope and costs will be confirmed through additional design and engineering review.

7. Roussel Hall Performing Arts Accessibility — $200,000

Funding will provide wheelchair access to the orchestra pit and performance stage through a platform lift and accessible interior ramp. A September 9, 2026, architectural assessment estimates approximately $180,000 for these improvements, excluding additional project expenses. Final costs will be confirmed during design. These improvements will expand participation in performing arts programs.

Public Purpose

These projects will eliminate physical barriers, improve campus safety, strengthen accessibility compliance, and expand equitable participation in educational, residential, athletic, and cultural programs. The improvements will benefit students, employees, visitors, and the broader community.


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           Bobet Hall’s preliminary design and construction schedule extends through March 2028; the timing for other campus improvements will be from six to eighteen months.

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 Robert Thomas, 3216 N. Turnbull Drive Suite B Metairie, LA 70002.

Polly Thomas, 3216 N. Turnbull Drive Suite B Metairie, LA 70002, State Representative.

Husband and wife.


     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  Mr. Thomas is Professor and Director for the Center for Environmental Communication.

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Deidre Deculus Robert 
                                       address:  6363 St. Charles Avenue, Government and Legal Affairs, Suite 301, New Orleans, LA 70118
                                       phone:  504-865-3130 ext. 7082
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  ddrober1@loyno.edu
                                       relationship to entity:  Vice President, General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs