Planned Giving

SUPPORTING A LEGACY OF RESEARCH

Alumnus establishes research scholarship in physics

LSU physics alumus Rick Rauch and Brian Dorman, members of the LSU Gravitational Wave Laboratory.

In a world where both the national and state budgets for education are shrinking, planned giving can be considered the life preserver a university needs to continue to develop and thrive in a competitive world.

Today, planned gifts from hundreds of alumni and friends have provided vital support for bolstering experiences in the College of Science, from strengthening research and scholarship to revitalizing classrooms and buildings. These significant charitable gifts made during a donor’s life or at death can ensure consistent, long-term funding and support a revenue stream that smooths the waves in the future. Planned gifts can take on many forms, from bequests to blended gifts, but one thing’s for certain: They always change lives.

“Those who want to give have generally been inspired by something,” said Julie Falgout, LSU Foundation’s executive director of planned giving. “People are often inspired by the research and the problems they want to see solved. They are inspired by compelling programs they want to see broadened or by first-generation students who may need some financial assistance to get through school. And these gifts can aid in all of that.”

One such gift comes from a College of Science alumnus whose involvement in the college has inspired him to give back. Rick Rauch, an expert in rocket propulsion testing at NASA and a College of Science graduate, has committed to a $1 million bequest, a gift given through a will or an estate plan. Rauch’s million-dollar gift will be used to establish an endowed research scholarship fund for the Department of Physics & Astronomy that will support additional undergraduate research opportunities.

“(Rauch) has made this incredible decision to give back to the institution and to the college that has inspired him in some way,” said Eric Guerin, LSU Foundation senior director of development, who oversees fundraising efforts in the College of Science. “And we are so appreciative that he feels moved enough by his experiences here to invest in our students.”

Rauch’s journey to NASA began on LSU’s campus as an undergraduate making his way through the department to which he’s now giving back.

“It goes back to personal experience,” said Rauch. “The opportunity I had to actually contribute to a research project as an undergrad was really special. I got to see where all that knowledge goes, and it’s important for undergrads to have that. I want to play a small part in having that experience continued.”

Rauch eventually graduated from the university in 1977 and went on to earn his doctorate in theoretical physics and gravitational theory at Stony Brook University in New York, a feat he claimed was “the biggest challenge of his life.” He now serves as project manager at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, and is still learning how to successfully navigate the perils of space.

“I was fortunate enough to work hard and be successful and want to provide more opportunities to explore whether it’s broadly or in depth. Now, I want to give folks the opportunity to find out what they really want to do,” Rauch said. “And maybe encourage others to give back, as well.”

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE PLANNED GIVING: $16.4 MILLION