Scholarships show their power primarily in how they benefit the student experience. That’s the first, and most important step, but not the only one. By energizing the force-multiplier of endowed scholarships (currently 486 totaling over $40 million and growing) Foundation donors, investors, and partners create more lanes for promising students; activate the rich talent pipeline that fuels innovation; and unlock State funding that amplifies the impact of private gifts. In the case of endowed scholarships, giving is an extremely effective and far-reaching way to have a powerful impact on today’s learners and tomorrow’s leaders.

Dr. Teresa Murray is Director of the Integrated Neuroscience and Imaging Lab and Academic Director of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, where she leads research focused on treating brain trauma before damage becomes permanent. This work, made possible in part by an Edmondson/Crump Endowed Professorship in Engineering, elevates student aptitude, the University’s international reputation, and serves as a business incentive for corporate partners, who engage through the Innovation & Advancement division. Dr. Murray’s professorship is just one of almost 200 that fuels transformational innovation across science, technology, business, and the arts — all funded through approximately $50M in endowments.

The project-oriented businesses operated by Crest Industries specialize in electric power delivery, industrial services, distribution, natural resources, and more — and they do this in part from offices in the Louisiana Tech Enterprise Campus. Leveraging LA Tech’s resources, expertise, and talent pipeline slipstreams Crest’s success and helps keep them competitive for top talent in high-skilled fields. The Tech students engaged with Crest, many who now hold full-time positions, map information systems, diagram data flows, and identify opportunities for increased efficiency to add value to Crest’s bottom line.