[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING LEON VALDRY ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. TROY A. CARTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 7, 2022

  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Leon E. Valdry, on his 90th birthday.
  Mr. Leon E. Valdry, a native of Bueche, Louisiana (a country 
community in Baton Rouge Louisiana), born June 7, 1932, celebrated his 
90th birthday on Saturday June 4, 2022. The function was held in 
Louisiana at the Valdry Center for Philanthropy located on the 
beautiful campus of Southern University.
  Mr. Valdry came from humble beginnings but has established himself as 
a real estate icon currently living in Beverly Hills, California. He is 
a philanthropist and the largest donor to his beloved alma mater 
Southern University in which he graduated 1957 in engineering. In 2019, 
Southern University opened the doors to the Valdry Center School of 
Philanthropy an academically based research center focused on 
Philanthropies named after him and his brother. It is the only HBCU 
Philanthropy Center in the country.
  Leon Valdry believes that consistent financial support from alumni is 
critical to Southern University's growth and longevity. ``As alumni, it 
is imperative that we give back to the University. Every graduate 
regardless of the amount they are able to give, should make a financial 
contribution annually,'' said Valdry. On March 21, 2015, Leon Valdry 
made a unrestricted gift of $100,000 to the Southern University System 
Foundation's 1880 Society. Valdry is a long-time supporter of the 
Southern University College of Business and a member of the 1880 
Society, P.B.S. Pinchback Circle. The P.B.S. Pinchback Circle requires 
an annual cash contribution of no less than $25,000 to the Society. He 
is still a member.
  Philanthropy for Valdry has been a way of life for more than 50 
years. The training he received while he was a student at Southern 
University, provided Valdry with an opportunity to secure his first job 
with the Litho Art Company in Los Angeles, California. Since that time, 
he has made a name for himself in real estate development throughout 
Louisiana and California. His real estate ventures consist of 
residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Valdry is a 
resident of Beverly Hills, California and is President/CEO of Holly 
Park Plaza in Inglewood, California, which is one of the largest 
shopping centers in the city of Los Angeles.
  The Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern Universiy acknowledges 
the sizable contributions that Leon, Warren, and Virginia Valdry have 
made to their alma mater, and the need to support excellence in 
education at HBCUs by endeavoring to create a culture of philanthropy, 
promote racial equity, and provide a trained workforce to help direct 
volunteer action and charitable resources toward communities in need.
  He is a member of the Democratic Party and has made contributions 
throughout the years. Mr. Valdry looks forward to attending any 
upcoming Democratic functions in Beverly Hills. He has blessed both 
communities in Louisiana and Beverly Hills by assisting young adults/
students with their academic journey. He is a devout Catholic and is a 
member of the Usher Team at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly 
Hills California. He is also an Army Veteran. President Biden joined in 
the celebration, celebrating Mr. Valdry for his love, kindness, 
generosity, and time to humanity.
  A huge Congratulations and Birthday Wishes to Louisiana's native Son.

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