Fierce For Science

In March, LSU announced the launch of a $1.5 billion campaign in support of the flagship campus in Baton Rouge, the LSU AgCenter, LSU of Alexandria, LSU Eunice, LSU Health New Orleans, LSU Health Shreveport, LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU Shreveport. LSU’s Fierce for the Future Campaign is the largest fundraising campaign for higher education in the history of Louisiana.

The campaign focuses on raising philanthropic support to advance six pillars: arts and culture; coast, energy and environment; research and economic development; health and well-being; education; and leadership.

LSU President F. King Alexander said of the campaign’s importance, “LSU is more than just a university. It is home to a unique combination of people, partnerships and ideas that fuel the engine of progress across Louisiana and around the world. Gifts to the Fierce for the Future Campaign will empower LSU to drive solutions to global issues that Louisiana knows better than most while simultaneously preparing tomorrow’s leaders to make a difference in the lives of others.”

In preparation for this campaign, the LSU Foundation implemented a cohort style fundraising model that combines fundraisers in the College of Science, The Manship School of Mass Communication and the College of Art + Design into what is now known as the OAK cohort. This team maximizes fundraising resources across three colleges increasing the number of fundraisers working on behalf of each unit. The OAK cohort is led by Eric Guerin, senior director of development. In addition to the work of the Oak Cohort, the College of Science is also fortunate to have ample representation on the LSU Foundation National Board. This national network of volunteer ambassadors is committed to catalyzing transformational philanthropic support for LSU.

Board members identify and engage LSU with individuals, corporations, and foundations in their regions by hosting events to steward donors and prospective donors. Ten College of Science alumni and donors serve on the board:

Patricia Bodin, mathematics, class of 1972

Clarence Cazalot, geology, class of 1972

Gregg DeMar, College of Science, inaugural Dean’s Circle member since 2007

Frank Harrison Jr., geology, petroleum geology, class of 1950

Michelle Holoubek, physics, class of 2001

Frank “Billy” Harrison III, geology, class of 1976

Larry Heimendinger, physics, class of 1967

Laura Moffit, geology, class of 1979

Dr. Mary Neal, zoology, class of 1979

James Peltier, pre-medical zoology, class of 1950

Dr. Erich Sturgis, biochemistry, class of 1985

OVERALL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LSU FOUNDATION

FY 2018-19

$62,239,379

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE: $12,354,361