SU alum, businessman Leon Valdry makes $100,000 gift to SUSF

Leon Valdry, a 1957 SU engineering graduate, believes that consistent financial support from alumni is critical to Southern University's growth and longevity. "As alumni, it is imperative that we give back to the University. Every graduate regardless of the amount they are able to give, should make a financial contribution annually," said Valdry.

On March 21, 2015, Leon Valdry made a unrestricted gift of $100,000 to the Southern University System Foundation's 1880 Society. Last calendar year, Valdry's annual gift totaled $25,000.

Philanthropy for Valdry has been a way of life for more than 50 years. The training he recived while he was a student at SU provided Valdry with an opportunity to secure his first job with the Litho Art Company in Los Angeles, California. Since that time, he has made a name for himself in real estate development throughout Louisiana and California. His real estate ventures consist of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Valdry is a resident of Beverly Hills, California and is President/CEO of Holly Park Plaza in Inglewood, California, which is one of the largest shopping centers in the city of Los Angeles.

Valdry is a long-time supporter of the Southern University College of Business and a member of the 1880 Society, P.B.S. Pinchback Circle. The P.B.S. Pinchback Circle requires an annual cash contribution of

no less than $25,000 to the Society.

"We are profoundly grateful to Mr. Leon Valdry for his sizable investment. The spirit of this gift will hopefully inspire other prospective donors to do likewise," said Fred Banks, Southern University System Foundation board member and president of the 1880 Society.