Southeastern receives $10 million bequest, largest single donation in its history
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
by: Rene Abadie
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University recently received the largest single donation
in its 92-year history, a bequest totaling approximately $10 million, the university
announced today.
Seth W. Ryan, a 1953 Southeastern business graduate, passed away on Jan. 8 bequeathing
a significant portion of his estate to Southeastern’s Foundation in the name of his
wife, Thelma McNamara Nicaud Ryan. Over 15 years ago Southeastern was approached by
Ryan’s attorney about the potential bequest. Ryan’s identity remained anonymous until
his recent death.
Ryan’s bequest will become part of the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation
Scholarship Endowment. In honor of his wife, who was unable to attend college, Ryan
outlined that income from his donation be used for scholarships for female students
in specific academic disciplines.
“Seth Ryan’s deep generosity will benefit female students in perpetuity. In honoring
his wife, Thelma, he has established a legacy that will provide generations of women
with the opportunity to benefit from strong careers and better futures,” said Southeastern
President John L. Crain.
Vice President for Advancement Wendy Lauderdale said the donation significantly
bolsters one of Southeastern’s strategic initiatives – to increase the number of women
enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.
“Southeastern’s student population is over 60 percent female, but women only
account for approximately 15 percent of STEM majors,” she said. “These scholarships
will encourage and aid women to enter these high demand, well paying disciplines.”
Lauderdale said the scholarships will also be used in the areas of nursing, business
and education for female students.
“Nationwide fewer women than men are entering STEM programs and careers,” said
Crain. “With so much demand for graduates, Southeastern looks forward to leading the
way in providing more financial assistance to women considering these careers.”
In fulfillment of Ryan’s wishes to honor his wife with this gift, Lauderdale
said, Southeastern will name the current Biology Building in her honor, subject to
approval of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. Officially, it
will be renamed the Thelma McNamara Nicaud Ryan Science Building. The building façade
will have the name “Thelma Ryan Science Building” upon its dedication, which is anticipated
this summer.
All programs housed within the building will offer scholarships under the Ryan
gift.
“We are so honored that Mr. Ryan saw the potential in Southeastern as a steward
of his estate. He saw that this university could make a difference in so many lives
by using the estate that he spent a lifetime building. I know his wife would be both
proud and satisfied,” said Lauderdale. “Having Mrs. Ryan’s name on our building will
forever remind us of the kindness and vision of Mr. Ryan and his legacy of helping
others.”