Pictured left to right: Rev. James Brown, SUS Foundation board member; Leroy Edmond, SU alum and  major gift donor; and Rev. Ted Major, SU alum and 1880 Society member.

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.

Edmond wanted to provide that same opportunity to other SU students. His charitable donation of $50,000 in unrestricted funds to the Southern University System Foundation’s 1880 Society annual fund helps students pursue their goals and could possibly change their lives as well. “I would like to see all students on the road to a better life. I’m happy that I can contribute to that opportunity,” said Edmond.

The 1880 Society annual fund benefits educational success for students and strategic University initiatives, while seeking to bring together a coalition of donors to create a culture of philanthropy for institutional longevity.