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“I don’t see things so much for what they are. I’m looking for their potential.”
Ed Laird’s outlook is threaded through his and his wife Cecil’s lives — from their passion for renovating properties to their dedication to supporting causes and people they believe will make a difference.
Georgia State University and its students are among the most significant beneficiaries of the Lairds’ philosophy. After decades of generous contributions, including endowed scholarships and planned gifts, the Lairds recently finalized a new planned gift to the university with a current value of more than $6 million. Funded through investments with the potential to be worth more than their current value at the time the gift is realized and designated to benefit the Georgia State University Foundation, this donation will support the Cecil Winn and William Edmond Scholarship for first-generation students.
The Lairds' deep connection to Georgia State was first established more than 50 years ago when Ed enrolled in post-graduate journalism classes to hone skills he could use in his teaching job. After seven years of teaching, Ed relocated to California and began managing property.
A decade after his cross-country move and career switch, he met Cecil while he was in Virginia visiting friends. Once married, Ed soon relocated with Cecil to Virginia, where they resumed the work that would become their shared passion: restoring properties to their former glory. The Lairds moved to Atlanta in the mid-1990s and Ed rekindled his connection with Georgia State. He was impressed by the university’s growth, transformation and commitment to students.
“We’ve always placed a high value on education, and we began to look closely at Georgia State when we were looking to make a donation after selling some stock,” said Laird. “While my past association with the university didn’t hurt, we very much liked what we’d been reading about its dedication to first-generation students, those who don’t have family with experience in higher education.”
Their investment in the university soon took on an even more personal and direct form.
After meeting and being impressed by an international student from Guinea, located in western Africa, through a member of their church, the Lairds decided to support his educational goals. Today, Jean Francois K. Onivogui (B.A. ʼ10, M.A. ʼ13, Ph.D. ʼ19) is an assistant professor at Georgia State’s Perimeter College.
“From when I first met them through today, the Lairds have been instrumental in everything I do and provide me anything I might need,” said Onivogui. “There have been so many people here in the U.S. that have been essential to my growth and success. I’m truly the fruit of American goodwill. I would have not accomplished all I have without the Lairds’ and so many others’ support.”
“What makes Georgia State stand out for me is its work with first-generation college students like Jean Francois, students who will positively contribute to our communities and make them better,” said Laird. “Georgia State has incredible potential, as does its students — as great as any students going to Ivy League schools.”
Learn more about some of the many ways Georgia State donors are making a meaningful difference at giving.gsu.edu.