Steve Leeolou ('78)
Entrepreneur
Madison Century Campaign Leader
A vision of the future can be risky business. Turning away from a promising broadcasting career, Steve Leeolou ventured into an industry in its infancy. Struggling for a time on the edge of financial ruin, Steve and wife, Dee Dee ('78), held fast to their vision to build what became the nation's third-largest independent cellular operator. Steve and Dee Dee shared their return-on-investment with JMU. In 1999, they were the first alumni to make a $1 million gift to the university, funding a new home for the growing number of their fellow alumni. In 2006, they made their second seven-figure gift to JMU at the launch of the university's first-ever comprehensive capital campaign.
"Dee Dee and I again are going to make a seven-figure gift to this university to help anchor the new centennial campaign. ... We want to do it because we love this school and know it will be an investment that pays compounded returns in producing people who will make a real contribution to society going forward."
How can you Be the Change?
