Grambling State University graduates — and their graduation speaker — got a big surprise Friday morning when Shreveport Federal Credit Union gave the school a $100,000 check and a promise to create a Birdex Copeland Endowed Professorship at GSU.
Birdex Copeland, who chairs the credit union’s board of directors, was the commencement speaker and urged the fall 2013 graduates to use their Grambling State education as a strong foundation for a good career, a life dedicated to helping others and a commitment to give and to serve their alma mater. He was surprised when the credit union announcement was made on the stage.
“The gift is a token of the credit union’s great respect for Grambling State University and the tremendous appreciation both institutions have for Dr. Copeland,” said Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue, noting that the professorship will be in the school’s sociology program where Copeland taught. “Dr. Copeland has been a stellar chair of the credit union’s board, a great example of fiscal integrity and a wonderful example of what GSU represents.”
Credit union representatives gave the Grambling University Foundation a $20,000 check and will make contributions annually in each of the next three years to provide the university with the $60,000 it needs to seek a $40,000 match from state funds. Leon Sanders, vice president for finance and administration and interim vice president for institutional advancement, said the university was thrilled when officials learned about the donation and promised to keep it a secret from Copeland until the commencement. “That was tough because we just wanted to tell everyone,” said Sanders, “but we did what we were asked to do: keep quiet.” He said the school has had increased alumni and friend giving in the last two months, and this is one of the more significant contributions. Read More
