Retired BASF executive Leroy Edmond says that his philanthropic efforts to support Southern University stems from the opportunities he received as a student at the University. The 1975 grad and political science major says that attending Southern changed his life. Recalling his humble beginnings in Morganza, Louisiana, he says “I came from one of the poorest parishes in the state. When I entered Southern University I had the opportunity to better myself. It was a means to escape extreme poverty and move to middle class. I’m glad I made the decision to attend Southern University,” said Edmond.
Financial support is one of the best ways graduates can show appreciation for the education and development they have received from their alma mater. One such graduate is Celeste A. Clark, Ph.D., who through her affiliation with the W.K. Kellogg Company, has directed more than $100,000 in philanthropic support to Southern University. Clark’s efforts have led to the establishment of the Human Nutrition and Food Departmental Scholarship and the Bayou Classic Scholarship.
