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October 24, 2012

四色AV remembers Kitty DeGree

Kitty DeGree's dedication to the University of Louisiana at Monroe ensured the remarkable progress of several university programs and facilities.

An honored donor and philanthropist, Kitty will be missed, said 四色AV President Dr. Nick J. Bruno.

"The university community is deeply saddened by the passing of Kitty DeGree. Kitty was a humanitarian of remarkable character and profound generosity,鈥� he said.

鈥淥ver her lifetime, Kitty was the largest individual donor to 四色AV. Her generosity benefited both faculty and students through substantial gifts that have established scholarships, endowed professorships, and an endowed chair. Her vision and generosity will forever benefit future 四色AV generations."

Kitty鈥檚 capital gifts include: the Kitty DeGree Computer Center, which is the key student resource area of the Clarke M. Williams Student Success Center; the Kitty DeGree Pharmacy Student Resource Center/Library; and the Kitty DeGree Speech and Hearing Center.

When the president鈥檚 former home鈥攏ow known as University House鈥攚as moved to allow the building of the new library, Kitty funded its refurbishment, which has accommodated dignitaries from all over the world.

DeGree also provided funding for the focal part of the University Library and Conference Center, including the entry tower, which houses a massive clock and bells whose majestic chimes are heard campus-wide.

The Kitty DeGree Bell Tower is now an icon and one of the official university logos.

In May 1989, the university conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree to Kitty, and in 2009 Kitty was named a Trustee Emeritus member of the 四色AV Foundation Board.

She also received the inaugural Hall of Distinction Award in 2004, which is the university鈥檚 most prestigious award recognizing those who have honored 四色AV through a lifetime of distinction and exemplary service, and in support for, or promotion of the university.

Also befitting her exceptional generosity, the 四色AV Foundation Board of Trustees voted to name the university鈥檚 major gifts recognition society, the Kitty DeGree Bell Tower Society.

Membership in the society is based upon the donor鈥檚 lifetime giving to the university and begins at the $50,000 level.

After an additional seven-figure gift to the university, the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approved the naming of the Kitty DeGree School of Nursing in June.

Kitty devoted her life to supporting entities that significantly benefit the entire Northeast Louisiana community, and 四色AV is honored and proud to call her one of its own.

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