Donors Recognized for Gifts to Forever LSU Campaign Designated for Business Education Complex

(left to right) Ross and Sherry Centanni, Johnny and Maggie Martin, Fern and Eli Jones, Hanna, Jake and and Bill Borne, Roy and Kathy Martin, Dale and Kathleen Redman, and Billy and Cathy Rucks.

October 10, 2009

Prior to the start of LSU’s gridiron matchup with the University of Florida, the university recognized donors who have gifted or pledged $1 million or more to the construction of a new home for LSU’s E. J. Ourso College of Business – the Business Education Complex – through the Forever LSU campaign. These generous donors were honored on the field in Tiger Stadium. LSU Chancellor Michael Martin and his wife, Jan, along with LSU E. J. Ourso College Dean Eli Jones and his wife, Fern, escorted them onto the field.

"LSU is eternally thankful to these alumni and friends of the E. J. Ourso College of Business," said LSU Chancellor Michael Martin. "Their generous gifts have helped to make the Business Education Complex a reality and will ensure that future generations not only have a wonderful new four building complex but also the opportunity to learn in a professional environment where they will have access to the latest instructional technology."

RoyOMartin, a third-generation family-owned corporation based in Alexandria, La., is the BEC campaign's largest donor to-date, having donated $3 million. Representing RoyOMartin were Maggie and Jonathan "Johnny" Martin and Kathy and Roy O. Martin III. Johnny Martin, chairman and chief executive officer, is a graduate of the College of Engineering. His wife, Maggie, has a master's and a doctorate from LSU in English. Roy O. Martin III, president and chief financial officer, is a graduate of the College of Engineering and also holds an M.B.A. from the E. J. Ourso College. His wife, Kathy, holds a degree from the School of Music and also has an M.B.A. from the E. J. Ourso College.

Catherine "Cathy" and William W. "Billy" Rucks IV, of Lafayette, La., have pledged $1.5 million. Billy Rucks is the president of Rucks Investment Group in Lafayette. He received his bachelor's in general studies from LSU. The Rucks' loyalty to LSU has been unwavering. In 1997, they provided a generous donation to the Department of Management, which was renamed in their honor.

Baton Rouge-based Amedisys, Inc., one of America's leading home health and hospice nursing companies, has pledged $1 million. Bill Borne and Dale Redman represented Amedisys. Borne founded the company in 1982, and has served as chief executive officer and chairman of the board since that time. Redman is chief financial officer and received a bachelor's in general business administration and a master's in accounting from the E. J. Ourso College.

Sherry and Ross Centanni, of Quincy, Ill., and Gardner Denver have donated $1 million. Until his retirement in January 2008, Ross Centanni served as president and CEO of Gardner Denver, based outside of Chicago, Ill. Ross Centanni earned a bachelor's in industrial technology and an M.B.A., both from LSU.

Lillian and James "Jimmy" Maurin, of Hammond, La., have donated $1 million. Jimmy Maurin is the chairman and CEO of Stirling Properties, Inc. He received a bachelor's in aerospace engineering from LSU. Lillian Maurin received a bachelor's in general arts from LSU.

Unable to attend, but still recognized for their contribution are Cherie and Robin "Rob" Arkley II, who have donated $1 million. The Arkleys share residency in Baton Rouge, La., and Eureka, Ca. Although they are not graduates of LSU, the Arkleys have become champions for Louisiana's flagship university and the E. J. Ourso College. Rob Arkley is the founder, president and CEO of SN Servicing Corporation, with offices in Baton Rouge and Eureka.

In August, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved a funding plan for the $60 million BEC. The State of Louisiana has committed $30 million to the project, contingent upon $30 million in private funds being raised. According to Jones, while the funding plan has been approved, the funding for the BEC is not complete.

"Our fundraising efforts will continue, but the funding plan allows us to bid the project," Jones said. "We are grateful to the LSU Foundation, to Chancellor Martin and to the LSU Athletic Department for their commitment to this project and helping to secure this funding plan."

"We are thankful for passionate LSU supporters, like the Rucks, the Arkleys, the Centannis, the Maurins, RoyOMartin and Amedisys, that will allow us to remain a leader in business education and research," Jones said. "The students, faculty, staff and administrators of the E. J. Ourso College are grateful for the longstanding generosity and service of these alumni and friends of the college."

The BEC is one of the cornerstone projects of the university's Forever LSU Campaign. Forever LSU is a university-wide effort to raise $750 million in support for LSU by the end of 2010. Learn more about the campaign for LSU and its goals at www.foreverlsu.org.

To view the floor plans for the BEC or make a donation, visit www.bus.lsu.edu/building.