By Corey Poole
Senator Gerald Long spoke about a $600,000 donation he pledged to the NSU Foundation during a phone interview May 9. This is the fifth scholarship he and his wife Rose have funded through the years. The first one was 25 years ago for their 25th wedding anniversary. After their children graduated from college, the Longs decided to fund the $10,000 scholarship out of their deep love for Northwestern State University and the understanding that educational funding will become more difficult to come by for kids in the future who come from blue collar working families.
The funding for the donation is being examined and more information will be released in the next few days.
Sen. Gerald and Mrs. Rose Long announced a contribution to the NSU Foundation in the amount of $600,000, which includes Sen. Long’s unused campaign funds and anticipated matching grants from the Board of Regents. The money will be used for the creation of an Academic Success Center in Watson Library, scholarships and a professorship. Sen. Long made the announcement in conjunction with his NSU Golden Jubilee and to commemorate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.