By JIM BUTLER

Students gathering for the new semester this month will encounter a changing LSU Alexandria campus.

Projects aimed at modernizing the grounds, meeting student needs and enhancing their collegiate experience are being launched or nearing completion.

Perhaps most noticeable is a spectacular tower in the Welcoming Plaza roundabout. Even in the slow summer days between semesters it has become a landmark. It will provide students an entrance to their campus career and an exit point on graduation.

Adjacent to it is the Martin Family Student Services Center, where campus life will eventually begin for every student.

The $12 million project is well under way by M.D. Descant Construction. RoyOMartin contributed $2 million of the cost; a host of donors gave another $5 million.

Across campus to the north preliminary work has begun on construction of new student housing.

Occupying a portion of the now-closed university golf course the project will provide much-needed quarters for 352 students.

It is the first phase of redevelopment of the 40 acres formerly occupied by the golf course.

And there’s a tank now on site, an outsized reminder of LSU’s military tradition, the Louisiana Manuevers and a natural fit for the Generals teams.

The M60 behemoth came from Vivian with National Guard escort.

Not as readily apparent is completion of drainage improvements that promise to move water off streets and grounds in a more expeditious manner.