Saiward Pharr/WRKF LSU banners and the Tiger Marching Band flank the podium at the university's birthday celebrations

Louisiana State University turns 150 this year, and Chancellor Michael Martin

Saiward Pharr/ WRKF Instructors, professors, and students mourned LSU budget cuts

and other school dignitaries marked the beginning of the school year Tuesday with a celebration including the Tiger Marching Band, speeches about the school's history and the future of the university.

Directly across the street from the official podium, LSU banners, and band, a group of instructors, professors, and students set up a funeral wreath and wore mourning clothes. The group chose the attire because they say the cuts will prove fatal to the university. WRKF's Saiward Pharr reports.