Published May 21, 2020
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the Louisiana Board of Regents, the University
of Louisiana Monroe Foundation announces $1.2 million in new endowed professorships
and scholarships.
“The ULM Foundation applauds these benefactors who appreciate the opportunity to leverage
their investments in ULM with Louisiana Board of Regents Sponsored Programs’ matching
dollars,” said Susan Chappell, Executive Director of ULM Advancement, Foundation and
Alumni Relations.
In June 2020, Board of Regents matching funds totaling $460,000 will be added to private
contributions, resulting in $1.2 million for the professorships and scholarships.
“The ULM Foundation greatly appreciates these esteemed donors and their desire to
positively impact higher education at ULM,” Chappell said. “Gifts dedicated to establish
endowments last forever. The fruits of these endowments create opportunities that
did not exist before.”
Superior Graduate Student (SGS) Scholarships
Elsie Webb Endowed Super SGS in Education – Elsie Webb was a dedicated business woman and owner of the Canary Motel and Trailer
Park in West Monroe. Previously, she owned and operated other businesses, including
the Hob Nob Restaurant. For over 15 years, Webb contributed to scholarships and cancer
research at ULM, totaling $573,000.
Lawrence Alton & Elizabeth Ann Robinson SGS in Healthcare Education – Larry Robinson is a 1968 graduate of the ULM College of Pharmacy and received an
M.S. in Hospital Pharmacy in 1973. Ann Robinson is a 1972 education graduate. Both
have enjoyed successful and distinguished careers. They established their endowed
scholarship to recruit and retain high-quality graduate students in the College of
Pharmacy and Kitty DeGree School of Nursing. The scholarship emphasizes providing
excellent healthcare to underserved communities in rural Louisiana.
Professorships
Willis-Knighton Professorship for Nursing – Willis-Knighton Health System established its fifth endowed professorship to enhance
recruitment and retention of exceptional faculty in the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing.
John & Tasha Gardner Professorship in Marketing Analytics – A 1994 ULM Accounting graduate, John is the Vice President and Treasurer of Murphy
Oil, and contributes his analytical expertise through the Finance & Administrative
Committee of the ULM Foundation Board of Trustees. John and Tasha created their legacy
to support Marketing Analytics.
Henry A. Little, CPA, Professorship in Accounting – Established by family to honor their patriarch, a 1961 ULM Accounting graduate,
this professorship will assist in recruiting and retaining quality faculty in the
William D. Hoover School of Accounting, Financial and Information Services in the
College of Business and Social Sciences.
Lawson & Sharon Swearingen Professorship in Political Science – Lawson Swearingen, a 1966 ULM graduate, practiced law in Monroe for 22 years, which
included 11 years as a Louisiana State Senator. He was president of ULM from 1991-2001.
During his administration, the signature seven-story ULM Library building was constructed,
also housing administrative offices and a conference center. Sharon is a 1972 ULM
graduate.
Charles Allen Professorship in Biology – Dr. Charles Allen is a former ULM professor and accomplished botanist in Louisiana.
Dr. Harry and Mary Lou Winters donated 105 acres in the rolling Ouachita Hills region
near Columbia, LA, to the ULM Foundation and named the property the Charles Allen
Nature Preserve. Over the years, Winters and Allen co-authored several books on the
plants of Louisiana and the Gulf South. Funds from the sale of the property established
this professorship and an endowed scholarship, both named in honor of Dr. Charles
Allen and to support the ULM School of Biology.
First Generation Scholarships
Paul & Mary Fink Super First Generation Scholarship – Paul Fink was awarded an honorary degree from ULM in 1988. He served as a judge
and later as an estate attorney, assisting individuals with their estate planning,
including many who designated gifts as their legacy to ULM. His desire was to provide
support to students with financial need who resided in Louisiana.
Oscar Cahn & Kurt & Irmgard Fisher Super First Generation Scholarship – James Kurt Fisher and his wife Irmgard Cahn Fisher established this scholarship
to aide Louisiana students who could not otherwise afford a college education.
