In 1968, the LSU Alumni Association established one of the oldest and most successful programs still in existence at the University - The "Top 100" Scholarship Program. Since the program's inception, approximately 3,930 of the most highly decorated incoming University freshman have been awarded a "Top 100" Scholarship.

The "Top 100" Scholarship program offers over 100 incoming freshmen a four-year scholarship, which includes an annual cash stipend. There is also an opportunity for these students to participate in the Chancellor's Future Leaders in Research program or become a Chancellor's Student Aide and work in a campus job to earn extra income. Additionally, nonresident students receiving the scholarship are eligible to receive a Golden Oaks award, which covers tuition and the nonresident fee.

In 2005, the LSU Board of Supervisors voted to double the amount of the "Top 100" Scholarship's annual cash award. Now each scholar receives an annual cash stipend of $2,000, which equates to $8,000 over four years. The LSU Alumni Association has accepted the challenge of raising the necessary funds and has begun a $16 million campaign to endow the entire "Top 100" Scholarship Program. Of all the Association's offerings, the "Top 100" Scholarship program is the one most vital to continuing the flow of outstanding high school graduates to the University.

To endow one four-year "Top 100" Scholarship requires a gift of $160,000.


In 1982, the LSU Alumni Association established a second scholarship program, this one based on leadership potential. These Leadership Scholarships are awarded based on a proven record of outstanding leadership in student organizations and community activities. The Association provides these scholars with opportunities to meet successful leaders in business, industry, civic and University organizations.

Leadership Scholarship recipients are nominated by their high school principal, guidance counselor or other local system representative. The Leadership Scholarship is a one-time award of $1,000 given in two semester increments of $500 to the recipient. Approximately 100 Leadership Scholarships are awarded annually.

To endow a Leadership Scholarship requires a gift of $20,000.

Just as those in the private sector who perform admirably are recognized through bonuses and other incentives that encourage them to continue their quality efforts, the LSU Alumni Association similarly recognizes some of the best of the University's faculty through its Alumni Professorships. Not simply an award, an Alumni Professorship is also designed as a means to help retain highly qualified and recognized individuals at LSU.

The second-highest faculty honor at LSU, the Association's Alumni Professorship carries with it an annual monetary stipend of $6,200. Alumni Professorships are given for the duration of the recipient's tenure once they are bestowed.

Candidates for Alumni Professorships must have attained the rank of full professor and must have a reputation for excellence in instruction. Additionally candidates must have a reputation for excellence in instruction, a record of active and continuing interest in areas of professor-student relations and outstanding professional relationships with other professors and University staff. Faculty members are nominated by deans, department heads and fellow faculty members. Nominations are reviewed by a special committee appointed by the chair of the Division of Instructional Support and Development Advisory Council. The Committee's recommendations are then submitted to the executive vice chancellor and provost, who review the nominations with the executive committee of the LSU Alumni Association prior to submission of recommendations to the chancellor, the president and the LSU Board of Supervisors. Final appointment of an individual to an Alumni Professorship shall be made by the LSU System Board of Supervisors.

To endow an Alumni Professorship requires a gift of $75,000.