Delta State University mourns the loss of alumnus and former Delta State Foundation President 路易Baioni of Germantown, 田纳西州, who passed away on June 3, 2024. 享年89岁. The University flag will fly at half-staff today through sunset on Wednesday, June 12, in Mr. Baioni’s honor.
Mr. 路易Baioni, a native of Shaw, 密西西比州, was a man celebrated for his generosity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. He earned an accounting degree from Delta State University in 1956.
He was a member of the Delta State Foundation Board from 1986 to 2018 and served as Board President and Finance Committee Chair. He notably spearheaded the University’s first-ever capital campaign, which aimed to raise $5 million in six years but impressively garnered $5.4 million in just two years, and later increased to $10.700万年 in gifts and pledges. His efforts were recognized with several prestigious accolades; including Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and being inducted into the Delta State 校友 Hall of Fame. In honor of his service to Delta State, the College of Business named the conference center in Broom Hall, the 路易Baioni Conference Center.
In May of 1996, Mr. Baioni delivered the commencement speech to Delta State’s 69th graduating class. He stressed to the graduates that he hoped they would always remember that day for “not only the feelings of pride and accomplishment, but also what it took to get here – the self-discipline, the sacrifices, the 努力工作, and the support of your family and friends.”
Mr. Baioni is survived by his children, 沙龙, 保罗, and Richard (Beth); his six grandchildren, 多明尼克, 贾斯汀, Lena Dion (Chris), Rachel Haley (Matt), 埃里森, and Melissa; and four great-grandchildren.
A service of remembrance will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church in Memphis, 田纳西州, Tuesday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, to commemorate Mr. Baioni’s dedication to philanthropy and 社区 service, donations may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church, the Alzheimer’s Association of Memphis, or the Tunica Humane Society.
请 点击这里 for additional information.
As shown in the remembrances below, Mr. Baioni’s remarkable legacy of integrity, 努力工作, and love for his family, 社区, and Delta State University will forever inspire those who knew him.
路易Baioni was an outstanding example of giving back to his Alma Mater. He loved Delta State University. Louis was a freshman at DSU with Janice and me in 1952. We have maintained a close friendship through the years. Dr. Kent Wyatt, President Emeritus, Delta State University
Louis was a business partner, mentor, and dear friend; and I admired him greatly. He was grateful for the education he received at Delta State and cherished the relationships with people he met at the school. He often told me that he attributed his successful business career to Delta State. The generous gifts of service and financial support from Louis and his family have left an indelible mark on the University. Dr. Tim Harvey, Past Chairperson, Delta State Foundation Board
Since its dedication on February 28, 2008, the Baioni Conference Center in Broom Hall has provided Delta State University’s College of Business and Aviation with a premiere venue for classes, student meetings, corporate and association meetings, special events, 社区 and statewide conferences, and gatherings. The College is forever grateful to 路易Baioni as a trusted advisor, friend, and benefactor. His generosity will continue to positively impact generations to come. Dr. Billy Moore, Dean Emeritus, COBA and Professor Emeritus of Economics/Finance
Louis was the consummate gentleman. He loved Delta State and always acknowledged his DSU degree as the major reason for his incredible business success and leadership in the Memphis and greater mid-south area. His outstanding business aptitude led the Delta State University Foundation to unprecedented success. I remain forever grateful for his devotion to our beloved DSU and also for his most meaningful personal friendship. Dr. Peter Jernberg, Director Emeritus, Delta State Foundation Board
真是个损失. Louis was a fine gentleman and an excellent leader for us. I have the utmost respect for him. I was fortunate to have lunch with Louis last year in Memphis with Tim Harvey and Dr. Caston, and it was clear he still held DSU in high regard. Mr. Tom Janoush, Past Chairperson, Delta State Foundation Board
路易Baioni was one of the most accomplished and determined Delta State Foundation presidents that I ever worked with in my 23-year career at Delta State. He served at a time when the young Foundation embarked on its first $5 million campaign and exceeded the goal using his accounting experience and personal fundraising skills. He also guided the staff into a new computer era and required accuracy and performance. He was generous with and loved his university and was loved back with the presentation of numerous awards, including the naming of the business center in his name. 夫人. Vicki Fioranelli, Director Emeritus of 校友 Affairs
Louis and I met in 1996 when I interviewed at Delta State University, he was on the interview team that selected me as the first director of development. His leadership gave the Delta State Foundation Board, President Kent Wyatt, and Dr. Don Skelton the confidence to move forward with the first ever multi-million-dollar campaign, a $5 million effort that resulted in raising $10.700万年. Louis personally helped finance the campaign expenses. The campaign also resulted in creating the Quadrangle Oak Society Planned 给 Program, establishing the Annual Fund, creating a $2 million endowment for the Bologna Performing Arts Center, and funding the 教师 Development Fund. All donation opportunities that endure to this day. The Baioni Center in Broom Hall was dedicated to honor Louis for his vision and contributions to the Accounting Program and for his leadership and financial support of the 校友 and Foundation. Mr. Keith Fulcher, Former Executive Director of Delta State 校友/Foundation
