The new Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University in Baton Rouge is an academically based research center focused on philanthropic student research and nonprofit management. The center seeks to educate the socially conscious student in the emerging field of philanthropic studies through exploring the economic, historical, and philosophical rationales for voluntary action in the local, national and international arenas.

Grace Hebert Curtis Architects designed the center to include a state-of-the-art auditorium, classrooms, conference rooms, administrative offices and public spaces. This will help the university in its goal to expand master’s degree programs in public policy and philanthropic studies as well as to develop continuing education offerings and research opportunities.