Dee Dee and Kevin Reilly, Ed Steimel Recognized in 2006 Awards

The LSU Foundation proudly recognized philanthropists Dee Dee and Kevin Reilly and fundraiser Edward J. Steimel for their outstanding contributions to the University at the 47th Annual LSU Foundation Membership Meeting and 1860 Society Dinner on November 9.

Philanthropists Dee Dee and Kevin Reilly were also honored during the evening’s festivities as the recipients of the 2006 Volunteer of the Year Award. The scope of the Reillys’ generosity extends throughout LSU’s campus, as they have supported the LSU AgCenter, Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Honors College, Library, Museum of Art, Lab School, Rural Life Museum, and the Colleges of Art and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Mass Communication, and Music and Dramatic Arts.

Dee Dee and Kevin’s first-hand experience with business and public policy inspired them to create the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs, a forum that explores the role that the media plays in democracy. In 2000, the Reilly family also sponsored the naming and renovation of the Reilly Theatre, one of the oldest buildings on campus and home to Swine Palace Productions.

Additionally, the Reillys are responsible for two newly-endowed chairs in political communication and media literacy within the Manship School of Mass Communication. In the future, these positions will allow LSU to serve as a gateway for research initiatives that teach students to become critical consumers of what they read, hear, or see in the news.

In recognition of his service to the LSU Foundation, Ed Steimel, former Development Director for the College of Engineering, was named the 2006 Fundraiser Emeritus. As one of the first fundraisers on campus, Steimel played a significant role in building the College’s endowment to the largest of all academic units at LSU.

During his 17-year tenure at LSU, Steimel generated funding for more than 50 scholarships, 106 professorships, and 15 chairs within the College of Engineering. Additionally, Steimel played an integral part in securing the $10 million Gordon and Mary Cain gift, one of the largest private contributions in LSU history.

The LSU Foundation congratulates these great supporters of our university community for their many years of leadership at LSU.