Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, both Dr. Arnold and Celia Lupin are Louisiana State University alumni. But if you ask them where their hearts are, they will tell you in Athens.

Married in 1992, together the Lupins have one daughter, Lily, now a senior at the University of Georgia. When asked how Lily, a New Orleans native and daughter of two LSU graduates, ended up attending UGA, both Arnold and Celia gave the same one-word answer, “Uga.”

Lily, who shares a love for animals with her mother, studied university mascots while in elementary school. When introduced to UGA’s mascot Uga, she fell in love. The Lupins now have a pet bulldog of their own named Maggie.

When it came time for Lily to start visiting colleges, the Lupin family embarked on a road trip to tour seven different schools, one of which was UGA. “It was 11 p.m. when we arrived in Athens,” Arnold recalled, “and as soon as we drove into town on Broad Street, Lily said, ‘This is where I’m going to school.’”

Lily might have known right there on Broad Street, but it was not until the following day that Arnold and Celia were completely convinced.

“We went on a tremendous tour of campus and the reception we received was unparalleled by any university we have ever visited,” Celia acclaimed.

Not only did the Lupins feel immediately welcomed by the University, but they also knew shortly into Lily’s time as a student that they wanted to help provide other students attending UGA the same opportunities she was afforded. The generosity they have shown UGA is an extension of their long history of giving. Arnold, along with his two brothers, founded a nonprofit hospital to serve the greater New Orleans area. Upon selling the hospital, they established the Lupin Foundation to support nonprofits, community service providers and churches throughout New Orleans. The Foundation helped community organizations through one of the area’s toughest times, the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Throughout Lily’s time at UGA, the Lupin Foundation has provided several grants supporting the Lamar Dodd School of Art, where Lily is studying photography.

The grants the Lupin Foundation has provided have allowed the opening of galleries for UGA students to display their art in Athens, Atlanta and New York City. In addition, the Lupin Digital Resource Endowment is transforming the way art and design students gain access to digital equipment that is vital to their work.

“I would highly encourage other parents of current students to get involved and contribute,” Arnold affirmed. “UGA is a wonderful school—current students love it, alumni love it—and we should help other students have the same opportunities our children have experienced. Those who are able to help give, should.”