Cub Roar Spring Summer 23 - Flipbook - Page 39
“I value friendships, relationships, and people. Over time, my
passion became people.”
Like most kids, Dr. Benton didn’t
know much about career pathways
in higher education before college.
Yet, ULS equipped him with the tools
he’d need to be successful in the field
and the confidence to pursue what
really spoke to him. He said, “I value
friendships, relationships, and people.
Over time, my passion became
people.”
Reflecting on such hallmark
experiences has been a pivotal
motivator for Dr. Benton to give back
to the school as a donor: “U-High
gave me so much – opportunities
there that were unique and set me
up for success. There’s an innate
responsibility to pay that forward. That
can be in different ways.”
“
HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS WERE SO DEVELOPED
AT LAB SCHOOL,” BARBARA SAID. “THOSE
OPPORTUNITIES COULD NEVER, EVER BE MATCHED.
“
Beyond the lifelong connections
forged, Dr. Benton also values the
uniqueness of the ULS experience
– from walking to the LSU Student
Union for P.E. units at a bowling alley
and to visit the art gallery, to taking
samples of University Lakes water
for environmental science, to the
repurposed bathtub-turned-readingnook in his second grade classroom.
He noted that this all felt normal but,
looking back, is part of what sets the
school apart. “In eighth or ninth grade,
we kayaked in the Special Olympics
pool. It was such a crazy, unique
experience.”
AS A MOM, IT WAS FUN FOR ME TO WATCH.
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