NEW ORLEANS -- Southern University receives $1.6 million in support including a $1.1 major gift from alumnus Antonio “Tony” Clayton and a $500,000 grant from Capital One, both presented during the SU System Board of Supervisors meeting Friday in New Orleans.
With his recent gift, Clayton, a member of the SUS Board of Supervisors and a longtime SU supporter, will fund the construction of “Clayton Championship Plaza,” and establish an endowed chair, that will support athletic programming, and benefit the marching band and music department.
“The Clayton Championship Plaza gives us something to be proud about. This permanent legacy separates us and puts on another level of greatness. We appreciate it very much,” said director of Athletics
Roman Banks.
Located at the main entrance to the Arnett “Ace” Mumford Field House on Swan Avenue, the Tony Clayton Championship Plaza structure will feature bronze plaques commemorating Southern Jaguar championships and athletes. The bronze plaques will be mounted to eight square cast stone and brick columns beneath a 50 foot diameter stucco ring.
The ring and columns will be illuminated by color changing LED lights which can be programmed to display school colors as well as colors celebrating holidays or events. Within the boundaries of the ring, approximately 1,400 concrete pavers will provide opportunities for any person or organization to sponsor a permanent part of the plaza. Column sponsors will be featured on bronze plaques located on the faces of each column.
Fans interested in purchasing a paver are asked to contact the SU ticket office at 225-771-3171.
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