Matching Gift Donor Feature: Charles Dabadie
Charles Dabadie, a native of Baton Rouge, earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in
Mechanical Engineering from LSU in 1987. Now, Dabadie is the Americas Regional Manufacturing
Manager for ExxonMobil Chemicals Company. Through the ExxonMobil Matching Gift Program,
which triples the impact of employees’ gifts to LSU, he created the Dabadie Family
Scholarship for honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. armed forces in STEM curricula.
Dabadie reflects on his experiences at LSU, how ExxonMobil has built a culture of
philanthropy, and the inspiration behind the scholarship.
What are a few of your favorite memories on LSU’s campus?
Like anyone who has attended an LSU home football game, a top favorite has got to
be Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium. I also recall the long nights of my study group
carrying me through, and I have fond memories of the start of some lifelong friendships
that began at LSU.
Why do you think LSU is a place worthy of investment?
As the state’s flagship university, my wife and I are proud alumni. This is a great
feeder pool of young talent for companies like mine, ExxonMobil, and it’s where the
next great leaders are being developed. LSU gave me a fantastic engineering foundation
that helped me build a great career at ExxonMobil.
How has ExxonMobil’s corporate philanthropy inspired your own personal philanthropy?
It’s inspiring to work for a company who believes in supporting higher education.
It’s impressive that, for many years, ExxonMobil has presented LSU with a matching
gift in excess of $1 million through the generosity of our employees and annuitants.
What inspired you to establish the Dabadie Family Scholarship?
My wife and I wanted to honor my parents while giving back to our community. My mother
spent her entire career in STEM positions with 45 years at Ethyl Corp. My father was
a World War II veteran that had more than 20 years of military reservist service.
He was a Baton Rouge attorney who received his undergraduate and law degrees from
LSU.
What are your hopes for the recipients of your scholarship?
My hope for the recipients of this scholarship is to support another student to help
make a brighter future for themselves and for our industry. I have had the pleasure
of being on LSU’s University College Advisory Board, and I have seen firsthand how
excited the young students are when receiving any scholarship. Their stories are truly
amazing.
What role did ExxonMobil’s matching gift program play in your decision to give?
The matching gift from ExxonMobil was an added bonus to our wish to help students.
We are proud of how ExxonMobil supports the communities in which we operate.
What is your advice for Tigers contemplating making a gift to LSU through a matching
gift program?
Every dollar counts, so please contribute. Your gift can make a lasting impact on
these students, our community, and our future.
