What’s in a name? And have you ever wondered how the University’s buildings earned theirs?
When it comes to University entities, it usually entails exemplary character and a significant contribution to LSU – monetary or not.
With the recent completion of the Business Education Complex, sponsors have a few new opportunities to leave their name on a University landmark, which can come to fruition in a variety of ways.
While some facilities, like the Reilly Theatre, are named for gracious benefactors, the namesakes of most University sites are former professors, University officials or governors, according to Bunnie Cannon, executive director of institutional advancement.
“More frequently they’re named after people who have excelled in the business community, in civic involvement, if they are outstanding in some way or if they’ve made a large contribution to LSU – not just financially,” she said.
But it’s natural for large donors to desire a University entity to be named for them, Cannon said.
According to Policy Statement 70 regarding naming University facilities and academic units, individuals or organizations who want a building named for them must contribute at least 50 percent of the cost of constructing a new building or at least 75 percent of the cost of renovating an existing building.
Policy also states that, for a college, at least $20 million should be contributed into the specific college’s endowment and at least $10 million in the endowment for an academic department.
Cannon said the smallest item that can be named is an auditorium chair in the Business Education Complex for $5,000, and the largest nameable item is the field of Tiger Stadium, which doesn’t have a set price.
The entire Business Education Complex can be named with a $15 million donation, according to a brochure released by the Office of Institutional Advancement.
On-campus units that are currently available for naming include the LSU Band Hall, Journalism Building, School of the Coast and Environment and College of Science, among others.
Cannon said the Student Union is not and will never be named to honor anyone because “the Union is for students.”
But not just anyone with a deep pocket and an affinity for the University can name a facility, she said.
“We don’t want to put a price tag on LSU,” Cannon said, emphasizing the importance of naming entities after people of good character.
For example, Cannon said the Paul M. Hebert Law Center was originally named after former governor Richard Leche, but it was changed after Leche was convicted for misusing state funds and property.
The naming process goes beyond signing a check and filling out a form. The name must ultimately be approved by the Board of Supervisors, Cannon said.
But before the board receives the naming request, the request must be sent to Chancellor Michael Martin in writing, who will then offer his approval or disapproval and forward it to the naming committee.
The committee then reviews the information and makes a recommendation that’s returned to the chancellor, who can approve or reject it, then forward it to the Board of Supervisors.
While the University handles names regarding buildings, colleges, academic programs and departments, the LSU Foundation oversees endowments like scholarships and professorships.
Jeffery McLain, vice president for development for the LSU Foundation, said most donors he’s encountered aren’t primarily focused on recognition for their donations, but offer significant gifts because they believe in the University’s mission.
McLain said the LSU Foundation employs development officers who actively speak with alumni and friends of the University about making donations.
Large-scale donations are the result of a long-time cultivation, which could be six months or 10 years, he said.
“Endowed funds and named gifts enable you to honor a loved one, advance the study of an important field and demonstrate your support for LSU,” reads the LSU Foundation’s website.
McLain said an endowment operates similarly to a savings account, where income is generated.
To name an endowed chair at the University, a $1.2 million gift is required from the donor with an $800,000 match from the state, according to LSU Foundation’s website.
McLain said the state matches private donations on a 60-percent to 40-percent ratio for endowed professorships and endowed chairs.
 
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Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]