Southeastern Louisiana University formally dedicated the Biology Building last week. The building façade will now bear the name “Thelma Ryan Biology Building.”
In 2017, Southeastern received the largest single donation in its history, an endowment totaling $10 million, from Seth W. Ryan, a 1953 Southeastern business graduate who passed away in March that same year. Ryan left a significant portion of his estate to Southeastern’s Foundation in the name of his wife, Thelma Ryan. In honor of his wife, who was unable to attend college, Ryan outlined that income from his donation should be used for scholarships for female students in specific academic disciplines. The scholarships will be used in the areas of science, nursing, business and education for female students. All programs housed within the newly dedicated building will offer scholarships under the Ryan gift.
