NEWS

Louisiana Tech receives $920K gift from Patrick F. Taylor Foundation

Jan 21, 2015 | General News

— Funds will support scholarships for first generation and outstanding students —
The Board of Trustees of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation have presented Louisiana Tech University with a gift of $920,000 to fund scholarships for first generation and academically outstanding students.
In addition to the gift from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, Louisiana Tech will seek $80,000 in matching funds for first-generation scholars from the Louisiana Board of Regents to establish a total scholarship fund of $1 million. Louisiana Tech President Les Guice was joined by President Emeritus Dan Reneau on the 16th floor of Wyly Tower to receive the check.
Louisiana Tech President Les Guice (right) is joined by President Emeritus Dan Reneau to receive a $920,000 gift from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.

Louisiana Tech President Les Guice (right) is joined by President Emeritus Dan Reneau to receive a $920,000 gift from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.


“The generosity of Mrs. Taylor and the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation will create life-changing opportunities for the scholarship recipients and enable Louisiana Tech to support them in realizing their college dreams,” said Guice. “The impact and importance of gifts such as this cannot be overstated. It allows us to recruit and retain outstanding students, and to provide them with an excellent education and experience on our campus.
“On behalf of our university community and the future recipients of these scholarships, I sincerely thank the Taylor Foundation for its strong advocacy and support for higher education opportunities in Louisiana.”
The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation was founded in 1985 by Patrick and Phyllis Taylor as a gesture of thanks to the nation that had given them so much. Its mission is to promote the common good and well-being of all the people of our nation, primarily by promoting universal and unlimited educational opportunities based solely on each individual’s ability and willingness to learn.
Following complications from bacterial endocarditis, Mr. Taylor passed away in November 2004, but continues to have life-changing impacts on college students across the nation through the work of the Foundation.
Phyllis Taylor addresses Louisiana Tech graduates during fall 2012 commencement.

Phyllis Taylor addresses Louisiana Tech graduates during fall 2012 commencement.


Today, the Patrick F. Foundation is led by Mrs. Taylor who continues her late husband’s educational crusade. The Foundation also monitors the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) in Louisiana and programs in other states to ensure qualified students will continue to receive the opportunity to obtain a college education based on their own high school achievements. While education is its primary area of interest, the Foundation also supports advances in law enforcement, the military, community charitable organizations and humanitarian efforts.
“The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation is proud to partner with Louisiana Tech in providing scholarships to students of need,” said Mrs. Taylor. “Louisiana Tech has had a long history of developing a unique position in the field of higher education in Louisiana. These scholarships will make it possible for some of our youth in financial need, and deserving of the opportunity, to take advantage of what Louisiana Tech has to offer.”
Guice credits Reneau for Louisiana Tech’s relationship with the Taylors and the Taylor Foundation, which was forged during his tenure as president. Mrs. Taylor served as keynote speaker for Louisiana Tech’s fall 2012 commencement and was recognized by Reneau for the crucial role she and her late husband have played in the lives of college students in the state of Louisiana.
“Some 88 percent of our entering freshmen are on TOPS scholarships,” Reneau told Mrs. Taylor following her commencement address. “We owe you a great debt of gratitude. I don’t know of anyone who has provided so much, to so many. Thank you very much.”
Members of the Board of Trustees of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation will continue to have contact with their scholarship recipients during their studies at Louisiana Tech, offering them encouragement and monitoring their progress.