Christopher and Jenny D’Elia at the LSU Foundation Center for Philanthropy Photo by Slade Blanchard
growing the undergraduate program 540 percent and becoming a hub for Tigers to gain hands-on experiences in an area of global importance. Dean D’Elia believes that CC&E is “the place to be” for environmental science. “We wrote the book early on in delta studies, wetland studies, coastal oceanography, and more. It’s a great honor to be able to serve as dean of this wonderful college,” he said. “It’s critical for a state university like ours to be really engaged in and work with the community. My goal is to reach out and partner with as many entities in this area and state as possible. If we’re going to be successful, we all have to work together and try to pursue a common agenda. For us, the coastal imperative is huge; that’s where we can be real leaders.” The gifts to the College of Music & Dramatic are rooted in Dean D’Elia and Wake’s shared love for music. The dean was exposed to classical music at a young age when he and his mother attended Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, “The Pirates of Penzance.” He now attends the College of Music & Dramatic Arts’ symphonic performances, and he and Jenny also appreciate the connection that the fine arts have to mathematics and science, enriching both students’ quality of life and technical skills. With three guitars and an extensive collection of music equipment, Wake enjoyed being creative and making music. “We know that his name and our love for him will be there until the day we die. But because he died so young, we would like other people to know his name, and know that he’s made an impact that he didn’t live long enough to make happen himself,” Jenny said, adding, “It is a healing process, but it made us happy to do something positive that came out of his death.” lsu.edu/cce lsu.edu/cmda
18
LSUFOUNDATION.ORG/CORNERSTONE