ExxonMobil presented a check for $58,950 to the Southern University Foundation as part of the ExxonMobil Foundation’s 2015 Educational Matching Gift Program. The gift, announced during an on-campus reception on June 9, represents the ExxonMobil Foundation 3:1 match of 26 employees’, retirees’ and surviving spouses.

“Southern graduates bring with them strong, practical, analytical and conceptual skills that are of high value to employers. Historically, Southern University has been instrumental in providing those type of graduates,” said Claudette Bradford, security safety health and environmental supervisor, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Plastics Plant.

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On Friday, November 27, 2015, the Southern University System Foundation held its second annual TrueBLUE Donor Appreciation Gala at he Hyatt Regency Hotel Empire Ballroom in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event celebrated and honored donors who generously make philanthropic contributions to the System and its campuses. Musician and vocalist Rachelle Ferrell and jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins performed during the Southern University TrueBLUE Donor Appreciation Gala.

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“I chose to be a psychology major and minor in music because I have always held a passion for both music and helping people in need. As a recipient of the 1880 Society scholarship, I am able to pay my tuition, and purchase needed supplies to meet the high costs of a college education and concentrate on achieving my goals.”

Naja Webb, 1880 Scholar
Sophomore
Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Read More

A $31,000 grant awarded from the Southern University System Foundation, to the SU Alumni Federation and SU Office of Admissions and Recruitment help spark the implementation of a successful recruitment campaign at the Baton Rouge campus. As a result of this collaborative endeavor the Baton Rouge campus has increased enrollment by 31 percent for the 2015 – 2016 academic year.

Grant funds were used to enhance marketing and advertising endeavors, and to assist with the purchase of printed and electronic materials that would support the recruitment drive.

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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.

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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.

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Pictured from left to right: Southern University System Foundation honorees, Leon E. Valdry ’57, Joseph M. Stewart ’65, and Irving J. Matthews ’70

The Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) honored Southern University alums Irving J. Matthews ’70, Joseph M. Stewart ’65, and Leon E. Valdry ’57, on Friday, May 15, 2015, during a ceremony at the Donald C. Wade House on the campus of Southern University Baton Rouge. Collectively, over the course of the past two years, Matthews, Stewart, and Valdry have made philanthropic contributions to (SUSF) totaling $1.2 million.

The event celebrated the honorees as pillars of leadership and applauded the impact of their personal investments to their alma mater.

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On April 24, 2015, James and Betty Brown hosted a donor reception at their home in Pearland, Texas. The reception generated more than $30,000 in philanthropic support for Southern University campuses and departments. James and Betty also presented the Southern University System Foundation with a planned gift, naming the Felton Grandison Clark Endowed Fellowship Fund as its beneficiary.

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Attractive urban sport complex coming soon

The Southern University System Foundation recently broke ground to launch the construction of a new urban sport complex located on the Baton Rouge campus. The project will transform the east side of AW Mumford Stadium into JaguarPARK, an attractive addition to the campus that will enhance the SU soccer and football practice fields. JaguarPARK will boast 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. The two-phase project is being paid for by private donations, Southern University System Foundation executive director Alfred E. Harrell III, said. Read More

As a trustee of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, Joe Stewart recently directed a $500,000 contribution to the Southern University System Foundation. In recognition of this gift and his long standing commitment to the University, we will recognize Joe for his sizable support toward the advancement of the University’s mission on Friday, May 15, 2015 at the Donald Wade House on the Baton Rouge campus of Southern University and A&M College.

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