Ed Steimel… a person of character

CONSIDERING, he has been a visionary and a driving force behind many organizations in the Baton Rouge area for the past 60 years, actively helping to advance their respective missions and shape their futures. He is a natural fundraiser.

CONSIDERING, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry named him president in 1975. He helped secure private support and increased the representation of business in state government.

CONSIDERING, after retiring from LABI, he served as director of development for the LSU College of Engineering, where he secured donations from industry and alumni in excess of $58 million. The college gained more than 50 scholarships, 106 professorships and 15 chairs under his leadership. In 2012, he earned an honorary doctorate degree from LSU for his leadership and service.

CONSIDERING, he credits his late wife Mary and daughter Suzie with inspiring him to support the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge. The couple cared for Suzie, born with cerebral palsy, until her death at age 16. “Suzie inspired her mother who pushed me to do things I didn’t think were possible.”

CONSIDERING, he has decided to leave a legacy gift to the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Funds from his gift will be used to establish an endowment in the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, an umbrella fund of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. A portion of the earnings will be used to educate local priests. He was motivated by Bishop Robert Tracy, who visited his home when Suzie was ill. “I’ll never forget his kindness.”

CONSIDERING, he has received many additional honors, including a Golden Deeds Award, a Gruenberg Award presented by the Governmental Research Association and a Leave a Legacy award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

CONSIDERING, he has contributed to our community in great ways, but he remains humble and compassionate. “I’ve been given so much. How could I not give back?”