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ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) — Louisiana State University of Alexandria has received nearly $3 million for student scholarships and support on behalf of a couple's estate.
The Town Talk reports (http://townta.lk/1AxAy6f ) John and Rebecca Anne Cox McCann left more than $2.9 million to the LSUA Foundation.
John McCann, a lifelong Alexandria resident, died in November 2010 and wife Anne in January. Their only child died in a trucking accident in 2001.
"John and Anne committed themselves from that point on to making something better happen," said their attorney and friend Ellis Saybe. "This is their way of triumphing over the tragedy of losing their only child and it's a blessing for all of us."
The couple created the John and Anne McCann Estate charitable trust in 1995. The estates were settled in June. A contribution from the estate earlier this year brings the McCanns' contribution to LSUA to about $3.1 million.
Joseph Descant III, financial adviser and friend of the McCanns, said they also gave locally to their church, Manna House and Alexandria Country Day School, which their son attended, and on a larger scale to organizations like St. Jude Children's Hospital and the American Cancer Society.
The funds for LSUA will go toward student scholarships and resources for university staff and faculty.
LSUA Chancellor Dan Howard called the gift "transformative" and is looking forward to seeing the gift help students.
"Think of all the young men and women who will benefit from this magnificent gift," Howard said.
He said the donation is especially needed as state support for public higher education has dwindled. Universities rely more heavily on tuition and fees to cover expenses and provide services, meaning enrollment is more important than ever.
Donations like the McCanns' lessen that burden on the university and the students, LSUA Foundation Chairman Charles Weems said.
"So many of our students need assistance," Weems said. "This will help keep the university growing and help us make student life better."
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Information from: Alexandria Daily Town Talk, http://www.thetowntalk.com
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