Beverly Shea
Beverly Shea of New Iberia, La., is an alumna of LSU, where she earned bachelor’s (1972) and master’s (1975) degrees in clothing and textiles from the College of Agriculture. Shea has taught in Catholic schools and owned her own retail business. As a community volunteer, she has chaired or served on several social, civic, school, and church organizations and committees. Currently, Shea serves on the Shadows-on-the-Teche Council and the Iberia Parish Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Acadiana.
At LSU, Shea is the chair of the LSU Alumni Association Board of Directors. She and
her husband, Jerry Shea Jr. (Engineering ’72, Business ’74), are both members of the
Alumni Association and support the Colleges of Engineering and Agriculture, LSU Student
Life, and the LSU Museum of Art. They have also donated to the Lod Cook Alumni Center,
the Jack and Priscilla Andonie Museum, the Professorship in Human Ecology, and the
Beverly G. and Jerry E. Shea Endowed Top 100 Scholarship. The couple are members of
the LSU Foundation Laureate Society for Lifetime Support and received the Purple &
Gold Award for philanthropic support of the LSU Alumni Association. They have two
children, Griffin and Patrick, and four grandchildren.
My LSU Giving Story
What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
My favorite memory is arriving on campus for the first day of my freshman year—such
excitement and fear! I lived in the French House, which sits under grand live oaks,
until Miller Dorm opened.
What makes LSU unique?
LSU is unique because of its beautiful campus, the culture, the faculty, and the students.
Why did you choose to attend LSU?
I attended the LSU vs. Alabama football game my senior year in high school. I wanted
to be a part of that excitement.
Why do you support LSU?
LSU changed my life in many ways. My husband, Jerry, and I have chosen education for
our philanthropy.
If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
LSU is a flagship university. It can create change in students, and therefore our
communities and state.
What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
I see more and more alumni stepping up to ensure that LSU remains the lifeblood of
Louisiana.
What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation
National Board?
I am proud to be a Tiger!
What most excited you about being part of the National Board?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to ensure that each student has what they need
to achieve great things.