LEAD History

The LEAD program was developed through the generosity of alumni Richard Landis and Beth Thorne, both graduates from La Verne College in 1942.

Following a year after their graduation, the two were married in November, and remained loyal advocates to the University. During 1984, ULV found itself without a president, and Mr. Landis readily stepped in to serve as chancellor of the University.

While preparing to step down from his position shortly thereafter, Mr. Landis felt the need to leave something behind that would later influence the University in a significant way. La Verne, at the time, was struggling to create an educational leadership program.

In 1985, Mr. Landis and his wife decided to endow the Venna & John W. Landis Leadership Scholarship in memory of his parents--a scholarship that paved the way for the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program.

Thanks to the generous support of the Landis', this scholarship program has granted financial assistance to over 750 qualified and deserving student leaders, and continues to make an immense impact on the University and the community as a whole.