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ACA students were represented by five universities in our tour of Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) and the prisoner rodeo in April, 2011. They saw first-hand how the prison has been transformed from one of the most violent to one of the most progressive in the country. The graciousness of our hosts reaffirmed how creative innovation can balance the needs of control while also promoting human dignity and redemption.

ACA had representation from Appalachian State University, Concordia University, University of Illinois/Chicago, Temple University, and Northern Illinois University. This brief overview can't do justice to all we saw on the trip, or express our gratitude to Warden Cain and his staff. We owe a super-big thanks especially to the entire staff who facilitated our tour.

A few of us arriving at the hotel

Arriving at the prison to meet the ASU students

First stop--The Angola Museum

The history of the area is fascinating

Jim looks at the famous Angola hearse, used for all inmate funerals

The funeral driver and the coachman

Nothing like a cell for some peace and quiet

Amazed at the model of the ""prison in the box"

The old execution building.....

And the old electric chair

One of the original cell houses

Workers in the field

The old execution building.....

And the old electric chair

One of the original cell houses

And horses in the field

Then came time for the rodeo

And the famous inmate poker, with bulls getting closer....

.....and closer....

....and....WHAM!

Wardens and staff explained policies and programs

Talking with Big Lou, the cook

Lunch at the warden's ranch house

Enjoying post-lunch sun on the porch

The visit is never complete without saying hi to Big Lou

Sadly, time to say goodbye to new friends

...and to old ones

And get everybody awake....

...to be at the aiport at 5 a.m.

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