The Top 100 Scholarship Program of the LSU Alumni Association is one of the most successful programs of the Association. Established in 1968, the program has benefi ted 4,000 students. In 1984 the total endowment for this program was approximately $28,000. Today the endowment has been increased to over $2.6 million.

Interestingly enough, one of the hallmarks of the Top 100 Scholarships has been that they seem to generate additional Top 100 Scholarships. For instance, previous recipients of the scholarships have joined together in the past to endow a Top 100 Scholarship of their own. Former recipients, after becoming members of one of our 110 chapters across the nation, have become active in supporting drives by those chapters to endow one or more Top 100 Scholarships. One of the leading scholarship endowment chapters is the Caddo-Bossier Parish Chapter which has endowed nine Top 100 Scholarships.

The LSU Alumni Association proudly recognizes these donors and recipients, honoring them at the annual Scholars' Banquet. It truly is a special night that provides a unique opportunity for each recipient of that year's Top 100 Scholarships to meet the actual donor who made their scholarship a reality. These students are truly the brightest and best that attend the University.

Several years ago, actually 30 years ago when I was serving as chairman of the University Scholarship Committee, Top 100 Scholarships were awarded to students with a minimum ACT score of 27. Today's recipients must have a composite ACT score of 33 (36 is a perfect score) as well as a 3.5 computed grade point average. This increase in qualifying scores has come about primarily because of increased admissions standards and better preparation in secondary schools.

Now more than ever we must continue this drive toward superior scholarships for superior students. In the past, the endowment for a Top 100 Scholarship was set at $20,000. Due to an increase in the annual stipend from $1,000 to $2,000 for the scholarship, the endowment has been increased to $40,000. Now in order to endow 100 scholars for four years, a total of 400 scholars at any one time, we need an endowment of $16 million.

Thus far we have had great success in increasing the endowment, and you can help us ultimately meet our goal. Since the Forever LSU Campaign was launched in June 2006, thirteen endowed scholarships have been established. If you are interested in an endowment, please contact Larry Jones at (225) 578-3838. Any size contribution is welcome, and all you need to do is designate your contribution as a gift to the Top 100 Scholarship Program. Even the smallest donations add up and are appreciated.

As another year comes to an end, I urge you to renew your membership or join the Association and support the Alumni Fund with a minimum contribution of $50. Valued alumni and friends like you are the foundation of our success. We extend our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a new year of joy, peace and prosperity.

P.S. Contributions to the LSU Alumni Association, LSU Foundation and the Tiger Athletic Foundation all count toward the goal of the Forever LSU Campaign.