LSU and St. James Place: Connections, Community and Campuses
There’s always been a unique connection between St. James Place and Louisiana State University (LSU). While proximity certainly plays a role, more significantly, the connection has a lot to do with the people and spirit of both communities.
Offering their unique perspectives as both former LSU educators and St. James Place residents, Ken Koonce and Dr. Glenn Sinclair sat down and shared their thoughts as to what makes Baton Rouge such a special place.
What makes LSU such an iconic institution?
As they reflect on their time at LSU, Ken, a former experimental statistics professor and dean of the College of Agriculture, and Glenn, a former department chairman of mechanical engineering, agree that the school’s athletic programs have a way of drawing people in. Football is the gateway that introduces people outside of LSU to the school and allows them to build a strong connection with the school, even if they’re not alumni.
“Whether you’re interested in education, you’ll see that there’s tremendous support for LSU athletics,” Ken says. “Plus, there are so many activities going on around that campus, and so many people all around town, that it becomes a part of our lives here at St. James Place. I have three sons, and they all attended LSU.”
With that same sentiment, Glenn adds, “When I came here as a department chairman, the previous chairman didn’t attend football games, but went to baseball games. Sports is also how I heard about St. James Place.”
How did your time at LSU connect you with St. James Place?
While mulling their connections to LSU and St. James Place, the former faculty members arrive at the same conclusion—the greater Baton Rouge community had quite an influence, and the innate connection between LSU and St. James Place is effortless and natural.
“I met a department chairman’s friend who lived at St. James Place,” Glenn says. “And throughout the years, I would hear nothing but great feedback about St. James. In fact, over the years, people we met at a football game encouraged us to go to St. James Place. The way people spoke about it, it was clear that people held St. James Place in high regard. Which is how my wife, and I became visitors several times before moving in.”
Without hesitation, Ken continues, “When we weren’t even close to thinking about retirement, you’d hear about St. James Place quite a bit throughout the community.”
Eventually, the word-of-mouth recommendations led both gentlemen to move into St. James Place in 2021.
LSU and St. James Place have something for everyone
Looking back at their time at LSU, Ken and Glenn couldn’t deny how the university and St. James Place bring people—not just LSU alums—together.
“What’s great about St. James Place is that the non-LSU people become part of the Baton Rouge community,” Ken explains. “I think it makes it more special, because even though they didn’t have any initial connections to LSU, they get to see it with fresh eyes and have a heart for LSU.”
“Getting to sit here on the patio, it’s all about the simple pleasure and ambience.”
Glenn adds, “It’s quite common for people to have family here (in the area) and have a kid or grandkid attending or have attended LSU. So many retirees that didn’t go to LSU somehow still end up having the university become a significant part of their lives.”
Whether it’s planned activities like the evening happy hours, or casual gatherings at dinnertime with former colleagues, both gentlemen find it easy to stay involved with BOTH campuses.
“I don’t go to tailgates anymore, but St. James Place makes it easy to watch the various sporting events,” Ken says as Glenn nods in agreement. “At St. James Place, it’s easy to stay involved with the university and around the community. They organize events or find a way so people can participate in different ways. I just like how it’s such a pleasing environment. It was a great experience being at LSU, and it’s been a very significant part of my life.”
Want to experience St. James Place as described by Ken and Glenn? Schedule a visit by calling (225) 215-4510 today!
“The staff here make this place great. Their kindness and can-do attitude.”