The endowment, the largest bequest in the University’s history, includes assets and property from the estate of the late James David Smith and the late Ruth Johnson Smith of Santa Barbara, California, both of whom were Southern University graduates.
“We appreciate this generous gift from the estate of James and Ruth Smith. With this memorial endowment, we inherit their legacy of commitment to education and service. Their significant contribution will assist our efforts to rebuild Southern University, Baton Rouge and ensure the future of the SU System,” said Ronald Mason Jr., president of the Southern University System.
James David Smith, a Monroe native who was reared in Bastrop, received a bachelor’s degree in art from Southern
Read more at NBC
