Published October 31, 2023
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe family is mourning the loss of longtime supporter
and alumnus Charles Freeman Stamper. Stamper passed away on October 22, 2023. He received
his Bachelor’s from ULM (then Northeast Louisiana State College) in 1968. After graduating
from his beloved university, Freeman enlisted in the US Army, where he obtained the
rank of E5 Specialist and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal.
Freeman went on to become a pillar in the ULM community. He was a Lifetime Member
of the Alumni Association and has been recognized as one of the lead donors in the
initial SOAR Capital Campaign. He is a member of the Tower Society of the Kitty DeGree
Bell Tower Honor Roll as well as the George T. Walker Society.
In 2022, Freeman received the Warhawk Ambassador Award. In 2023, Stamper was recognized
as the newest Hall of Distinction honoree, which is presented to an individual, couple,
company, or foundation who has honored ULM through an exceptional lifetime of distinction
and/or exemplary service to, support for, or promotion of the University. On October
28, 2023, he was posthumously awarded the George T. Walker Lifetime Achievement Award
from the ULM Alumni Association. This award recognizes distinguished, long-term professional
achievement, leadership, and service to ULM and the recipient’s community. The award
was accepted on Stamper’s behalf by longtime friend Barry Delcambre.
“Freeman had been awarded nearly every award the University offers to alumni and supporters,”
commented President Ron Berry. “The decision to honor him with our most prestigious
alumni award was an easy one, as Freeman was the epitome of someone for whom you would
want to bestow a Lifetime Achievement Award. Since the first day I met him, he was
intentional in his desire to help ULM achieve its mission of changing lives. He challenged
everyone to improve and reach their full potential. ULM lost a great supporter, advocate,
and friend, but we are honored and fortunate his legacy will live on through his generosity
to the ULM family.”
Freeman could often be seen on campus attending athletic events, VAPA concerts and
performances, ULM Foundation events, and just about every Alumni Association event.
Reactions from the ULM Community exemplify just how much of an impact Stamper had
on his alma mater:
“I had the opportunity of meeting Freeman many years ago when he came to campus with
the intent of establishing a scholarship in honor of one of his beloved teachers.
Upon meeting him, he wanted to ‘get to know me’; that was what he did with everyone
he met. He was genuinely interested in every individual and then he quickly became
a mentor and a coach. He knew just how to provide constructive criticism in the most
gentle, loving way and at the same time, he was the first to celebrate our successes!
I will forever miss his smile, his hugs, his stories, but mostly his unconditional
love. He was the epitome of a true gem on the bayou. Forever loyal he was! His legacy
will live on for generations. - Lisa Miller, Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Relations
“I first met Freeman at the Miss Louisiana Pageant when my husband and I arrived in
Monroe this June. From that point on, we would regularly see him during games, pep
rallies, VAPA events, and even over dinners and other social gatherings. Throughout
my short time knowing him, he was always genuine, generous, hilarious, and had an
amazing zest for life. He would always tell you what he thought, and then say, "feel
free to disagree with me or tell me no." Charles Freeman Stamper was a wonderful
human being and lived authentically and boldly in a way that many of us could only
dream of. He would always say to me, "I enjoy giving," and always strived to pay it
forward. He did that, and so much more, for our students, faculty, and community.
The University of Louisiana Monroe has lost a champion, and I feel honored to have
been able to know him. - Dr. Nicholas Bratcher, Director of the School of Visual and Performing Arts
“Freeman is going to be dearly missed by all of us. He inspired our entire program
with his infectious smile, quick wit, and unbelievable generosity. There are no words
to describe the impact his loss will have, but I do know that our memories with him
will be a treasure to hold on to forever.” - Molly Fichtner, Head Softball Coach
For Stamper's full obituary, please visit: https://www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com/obituary/charles-freeman-stamper/
