Virginia Laddey

Virginia Laddey was a WAVE in World War II who later became a sales executive and financial consultant at a time when there were few opportunities for women in those fields. Virginia traveled the world, and became an expert on Eastern Art. She is a philanthropist who has supported students at both CSULB and UC Irvine. She loved art and received an M.A. in Art from CSULB in 1966. During her time at CSULB she participated in the famed Sculpture Symposium of 1965.

Virginia saw education as a means for single parents to better their lives and the lives of their children. After meeting campus President King Alexander, she decided to create a scholarship for Nursing students who are the sole support of minor children.