KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 5, 2024

Ben Looper’s journey with Kennesaw State University began in the 1990s when he and his wife, Brandy, were students. Those formative years sparked a lifelong connection that continues to inspire their commitment to the university today. As the CEO of Southeast Restoration Group, Looper has not only achieved personal success but also embraced the responsibility of giving back to the community that shaped him.

“The Looper family’s roots run deep at KSU,” Looper said. “My wife Brandy and I both attended KSU in the 90s, and our son, Holden, graduated this May from the College of Architecture and Construction Management as a national champion leader of the competition committee and member of the inaugural President’s Parliament Scholar Ambassadors.”

With their recent $100,000 gift, the Loopers have set the stage for a brighter future at KSU. The Looper Family Construction Management Scholarship and the Southeast Restoration Construction Management Scholarship are not just financial aids, but beacons of hope for students within the College of Architecture and Construction Management.

“Ben is one of the strongest supporters of KSU’s Construction Management department and the College of Architecture and Construction Management as a whole,” said Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali. “We greatly appreciate his generous gift, which provides valuable support to our students. I am looking forward to the opportunity to continue our collaboration in the coming years.”

Reflecting on his time at KSU, Looper fondly recalls the impact of his mentors like Michael Coles.

“One of my then heroes, now mentor and friend, Michael Coles, opened the School of Business at KSU. As one of the first students to have the privilege to attend the new school of business, at the time the largest building on campus, and learn lessons from a self-made entrepreneur, it changed the trajectory of my and my family’s lives,” he said.

Beyond academics, Looper’s passion for athletics is evident in his support for KSU Football and the Men’s and Women’s Golf teams. As a former student-athlete, Looper understands the value of sports in developing leadership and resilience.

“Both football and golf have been long-time passions for myself and my family. In 2013, we began working on bringing football to KSU, and in 2015, it became a reality,” he recalled. “Since the inception of football, we have supported the support staff, specifically the equipment team and coaching staff. We also formed a group to help the KSU Golf team buy their first sprinter van to help them travel to tournaments in comfort.”

As a member of the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, Looper has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of philanthropy on the university’s trajectory. He credits Lance Burchett and the Board’s leadership for driving KSU’s recent success, noting that the increase in philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in the university’s expansion.

Looper’s message to all alumni and community members is clear–KSU’s continued success relies on the support of its community. He calls on everyone to contribute to The Campaign for KSU in any way they can, emphasizing that every effort counts toward making KSU one of the most admired institutions in the nation.

“The reality is the university, and the students need us more today than ever with the rising costs, the opportunity for KSU Athletics to join Conference USA, and the push to increase our focus on research and innovation,” Looper said.

The Looper family’s unwavering dedication to KSU is a testament to the enduring power of education and community. Through their generosity, they are paving the way for future leaders in the architecture and construction management industry, ensuring that the legacy of KSU’s excellence endures for generations to come.

– Story by Elyssa Reed

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.