February
11

The Southern University Innovation Center’s Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship provides education and support for local social entrepreneurs. The fellowship encourages young entrepreneurs to propose creative initiatives and/or organizations that will be designed to work on issues that are not being adequately addressed by existing nonprofits in the local community. The fellowship provides office space and business start-up support to assist two Southern University Baton Rouge campus student entrepreneurs launching their ventures.

Over a 24-month period, social entrepreneurs will receive training, coaching, mentorship, and various forms of capital support to help shape their ideas and turn them into viable efforts. Fellows will live on campus, attend Valdry Center seminars, take courses, and receive targeted assistance. They will receive a modest stipend in addition to having their living expenses and tuition and fees covered.

The Social Entrepreneur Fellowship provides office space and business start-up support to assist two Southern University Baton Rouge campus student entrepreneurs to develop and launch new ideas at the Innovation Center.

Fellowship Criteria:

Must be a full-time undergraduate SUBR student
Must be a campus resident
Must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
Must be a rising Junior (having completed at least 60 credit
hours and no more than 70 credit hours)

November
10

“Dialogue with Dow,” sponsored by the Southern University (SU) Career Services Center, viewed via Southern University Facebook Live on October 7, opened a discussion for the company to share its views on the importance of inclusion in the workforce. Panelists included Dow leadership, some who are graduates from Southern University who have contributed greatly to the company’s success in recruiting a diverse workforce, especially from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Teenie Raby, operations leader at Dow’s St. Charles operation center was recruited by Dow in 2002.

Tamara Foster-Montgomery, director of the SU Career Services Center, welcomes guests from Dow during opening remarks at the Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University.

“Southern University has had a connection with Dow since 1973. I was recruited as part of the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program, and I am proud to be a product of that partnership. Dow is a great place for SU graduates to have a place and a future in the industry,” said Raby.

Dow’s partnership with SU aligns with the company’s ambition is to become the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive, and sustainable materials science company in the world.

Scott White, senior resonsible care director at Dow said, “This strategic partnership is very important because I belive in racial equality, and I want to do everything that I can to advance it. It’s time to end systemic racism, and I’m glad to be given the platform to do my very best to help make that happen. When we have an upper-level leadership team that looks like a representation of the population, we will be there. We know the great level of talent at SU, and recruiting great students can become a part of that solution.”

Dow’s University Partnership Initiative is a focused investment with strategic university partners, including SU, to develop multi-dimensional relationships to: create inclusive and diverse research environments to accelerate innovation, train a ready workforce for the next generation of chemical industry professionals, hire the best and brightest innovators for the future, advance cutting-edge science with the fresh and leading perspectives, participate in the use of unique, world-class facilities, and drive technology forward in the safest and most sustainable ways.

“We are elated to continue to build upon the existing relationship that Southern University has with Dow. Dow continues to be a proven partner that is dedicated to the institution and our students by providing job opportunities, co-ops, and internships,” said tama Foster-Montgomery, director of the SU Career Services Center.

“Dialogue with Dow” also included a corporate overview, open discussions with SU students, and virtual classroom visits.

Dow Senior Leadership panelists, Pictured left: Stephan Pierre, Project Execution Director; Pictured right: Scott White, Senior Responsible Care Director.

Walmart and Southern

March
5

Executives from Walmart Enterprise traveled from Bentonville, Arkansas and from local Walmart stores and Sam’s clubs, to meet with Southern University (SU) faculty and students to discuss the University’s curriculum alignment with new workforce trends. ”Walmart Day” at SU started with a panel discussion at the newly constructed Valdry Center for Philanthropy (VCP), where Walmart executives met with faculty and senior administrators from the University’s Baton Rouge campus to discuss how current curricula in the areas of business, merchandising, marketing, engineering, science, computer science, and data analytics could better prepare our students for the increasingly changing workforce.

Walmart executives visited 12 classrooms to engage with SU students during the afternoon to discuss career opportunities at the Fortune 1 Company. Walmart also provided the opportunity for SU students to apply for high-demand internships in the United States and provided guidance to SU international students on how to apply for intern and full time positions abroad.

“We were excited to have several of our students joining Walmart and becoming new associates this summer,” said Monique Picou, SU alumnus and senior vice president, Walmart Enterprise.

The visit by Walmart stages a new model for capacity building between corporate America and the University. This model provides a greater opportunity for customization and alignment between corporate segments and University programming.

The SU Office of Career Services, VCP, and the SU System Foundation hosted this event. The newly developed program model will be offered to multiple corporations and organizations throughout the year.
“We are truly excited about our partnership with Walmart. The corporation’s engagement during Walmart Day certainly had an impact on the administration, faculty, staff and students. Walmart executives and team members gave us a first-hand view of their organization’s technology and the skills that our students will need to be successful in the workforce,” said Tamara Foster-Montgomery, director, SU Career Services Center.

For more information about this program, please contact Montgomery at: tamara_montgomery@subr.edu.


Executives from Walmart and Sam’s Club stores:
Top row (left to right) Reggie Wells, Club Manager – Sam’s, Myron Frazier, VP DMM Bakery and Prepared Foods, Sam’s, Tony Rogers, SVP and Chief Member Officer, Sam’s, Jontray Anderson*, Walmart Market Manager, April Legere, Senior Director, People Partner, Sam’s, Maggie Watson, Sam’s Assistant Manager, Donald Roberts*, Sam’s General Merchandise Manager.
Bottom/front row (left to right) Kelvin Coney*, Director, Supply Chain Management, Walmart, Rosalyn
“Roz” Dedeaux, Walmart Store Manager, Lori Furnell, Director of Talent Acquisition, Supply Chain, Wal-mart, Monique Picou*, SVP Flow & Specialty Networks, Walmart, Anjannette ‘Anjie’ Robertson*, Walmart Store Manager, Derrick Edwards, Market Manager, Walmart, Marlon McDonald, Store Manager, Walmart, Gregory Rutherford, Walmart Store Manager, Cordell White, Territory Assets Protection Manager, Sam’s
* Southern University Alumnus

 

March
5

Fund Objectives

I. Generate significant annual investment income to support the advancement of the Southern University and A&M College campuses

II. Promotion of a financially sustainable business model for the Southern University and A&M College System

III. Engage benefactors with a shared interest in the sustainablity of higher education at historically black colleges and universities

Distinguished Fellow Criteria

I. One-time cash gift of no less than $100,000 to the fund

II. A benefactor provides documentation that names the Felton Grandison Clark Endowed Fellowship Fund of the Southern University System Foundation as beneficiary of a planned gift. The planned gift must have a cash value of no less than $100,000

III. Each distinguished fellow will receive a gold silk ribbon and attached personalized gold and blue medallion

Fellow Criteria

I. One-time cash gift of no less than $10,000 to the fund

II. A benefactor provides documentation that names the Felton Grandison Clark Endowed Fellowship Fund of the Southern University System Foundation as beneficiary of a planned gift. The planned gift must have a cash value of no less than $10,000

III. Each fellow will receive a blue silk ribbon and attached personalized old gold medallion

FELTON GRANDISON CLARK FELLOWS

Class of 2014
Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus

Class of 2015
James and Betty Brown
Anna M. Jones

Class of 2016
Hall and Cecile Davis
Waren and Virginia Valdry

Class of 2017
Keith andAnn Tillage

Class of 2018
Dexter and Angela Henderson
Brian and Vanessa LaFleur
William and Yolanda McElroy

Class of 2019
Fred and Alma Banks
Wilbert and Timolin Ferdinand
Fourth District Missionary
Baptist Association
Cathy R. & Sam Davis Jr.
DOC-DHL

FELTON GRANDISON CLARK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS

Class of 2014
Tony and Paula Clayton
Irving and Darlene Matthews Joseph and Clara Stewart

Class of 2015
Leon E. Valdry

Class of 2018
Clyde and Carrie Ann McHenry

March
5

Jarquarius Qualls
Raising Cane’s Todd and Gwen Graves Scholarship Recipient
Classification: Freshman
Major: Business Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Cantonment, Florida

“I want to be a community activist and partner with organizations that control local, state, and federal funding. My marketing education will prepare me to attract investors who will join me in lifting my hometown and communities like it.”

Lauryn Langley
Whitney Bank Scholarship Recipient
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Plant and Soil Science Minor: Fine Arts Hometown: Zachary, Louisiana

“I attended the BAYOU Program at the SU Ag Center before college and I fell in love with plant and soil concentration. I am very grateful to the donors who give to the SUSF. Your donations allow me to experience first-hand, what it means to give back.”

 

William's Center student pic

March
5

The Williams Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement (WCUSA) was established at Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) by SU alums Tony and Tina Williams, who generously donated $25,000 to establish the Center. WCUSA serves as a conduit to discipline, train, teach, and serve at-risk minority males, and to increase their presence in the academic fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Education, and Allied Health. Scholar benefits include

  • Scholarships and stipends to support tuition, books, meal plans, housing, and fees deemed as educational needs
  • Personal Accountability and Support
  • Professional Development
  • Brotherhood Development
  • Mentorship Development
  • Leadership Development and Service Learning
  • Volunteer Opportunities at SUSLA and the Surrounding Community
    Student Leader Ambassador Opportunities
  • Access to Academic Coaching, Career Planning, and Tutoring

 

March
5

SUSF Honore Center“The Honoré Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement has prepared me to give my students the tools that are needed for life lessons as well as for academics.”

Denzel Roberts
5th Grade Teacher
Lafayette Academy – New Orleans, Louisiana
Honoré Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement 2019 Graduate
Southern University New Orleans
Hometown: Algiers, LA
Major: Educational Studies

The Southern University System established the Honoré Center for Undergraduate Student Achievement (CUSA) with funding from the State of Louisiana and other sources to improve success rates for African-American males in Louisiana that attend college, while increasing the number of male classroom teachers in urban settings. A cohort of New Orleans area male high school graduates are selected for the initiative that provides them substantial added support and resources to complete their college education at the Southern University New Orleans (SUNO) campus, and to become effective classroom teachers.

The initiative is named after Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honoré, a Southern University alumnus, military hero, and an expert on leadership development. Students with leadership potential and the motivation to make a difference in their communities are chosen ideally with ACT scores and GPA that qualify them for university admission with no more than one developmental course required. Honoré scholars are provided year-round campus housing at SUNO in a holistic living and learning environment. Additional support includes a personal computer, campus meal plans, a monthly $100 stipend, plus a $500 textbook voucher per semester for up to five years. Personal counseling, field trips, life skills, and tutoring resources are
incorporated to help ensure their academic and personal success.

March
5

THE INVESTMENT

Direct support to Southern University Students, faculty, and System unites:

THE ANNUAL FUND

The Annual Fund is the general fund for the Southern University System. The Fund endeavors enhance the academic and social landscape for our students, faculty,
and greater community. Your generous gift to the Annual Fund is put to use immediately to help create educational opportunities, develop new programs, and to support the evolution of the five campuses that comprise the Southern University System.

GIVING LEVELS

TrueBLUE ($100 – $249)

A.W. Mumford Donor ($250 – $999)

E.N. Mayberry Donor ($1,000 – $4,999)

J.S. Clark Circle ($5,000 – $9,999)

T.T. Allain Circle ($10,000 – $24,999)

Henry Demas Circle ($25,000 – $99,999)

P.B.S. Pinchback Circle ($100,000+)

JOIN THE 1880 SOCIETY

Join the 1880 Society by making a gift of $1,000 or more the the Annual Fund, and receive annual membership benefits that include monthly meetings with the Southern University System President, priority access to Southern University sporting events, invitations to the TrueBLUE Donor Appreciation Gala, exclusive donor circle lapel pin, and recognition in the System Foundation Annual Report.

December
18

The Southern University Innovation Center (SUIC) is a collaboration between the SU System Foundation and the Southern University Baton Rouge campus. In 2012, the SU System Foundation received a grant award of $1.2 million from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to construct the Innovation Center at SU.

THE SU BUSINESS INCUBATOR

The SU Innovation Center nurtures the development of entrepreneurial companies, helping them survive and grow during the start-up period, when they are most vulnerable. These programs provide their client companies with business support services and resources tailored to young firms.

LSBDC-Louisiana Small Business Development Center

The LSBDC network has access to robust databases, business research resources, and knowledgeable experts who can help you successfully navigate the obstacles that come with innovating, launching, growing, renewing, and transitioning a business.

STUDENT IDEA VILLAGE

The Student Idea Village connects University students to innovation and provides an environment where students can be creative free of distraction. The Student Idea Village

incorporates technology and flexibility while providing students access to a wealth of resources guided by seasoned business counselors and mentors.

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER

The Disaster Recover Center prepares your business in the event of extended service outages caused by factors beyond your control (e.g., natural disasters, man-made events), and to restore services to the fullest extent possible in a minimum timeframe. We provide to our companies on site as well as to businesses within the Baton Rouge community the

resources needed to implement preventive measures whenever possible to minimize operational disruptions and to recover as quickly as possible.

December
18

Matthews Plaza is an extension of the Jaguar Park project that is sponsored by the SU System Foundation (SUSF). Jaguar Park is a three-phase construction project launched to support the construction of a $1.2 million urban sport complex located on the University’s Baton Rouge campus. The Matthews Plaza official ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening took place the morning of Southern University’s homecoming football game, October 7, 2017, at the Eastside entrance of the A.W. Mumford Stadium on the SU Baton Rouge campus.

Irving and Darlene Matthews’ sizeable investment has helped the Jaguar Park project raise more than $500,000 to date. The Matthews also have established the Irving and Darlene Matthews Endowed Scholarships in the College of Business and the College of Engineering.

The event was attended by the Matthews family, Ray Belton, Southern University System Chancellor-President, Domoine D. Rutledge, Southern University System Foundation Chairman, Alfred E. Harrell, III, Southern University System Foundation CEO, and Southern University supporters.

JaguarPark boasts a lighted NCAA regulation soccer game field and football practice field, a soccer field-house and coaching observation tower, along with javelin and discus runways. JaguarPark is enclosed by fencing with 46 connecting brick columns.