Leo W. Seal, a Mississippi State University graduate and one of the top donors in MSU history, died Tuesday morning at age 84 from an extended illness.
Seal has been very involved with the university since he graduated in 1949 with a degree in banking and finance. Since his graduation, he has supported MSU in almost every aspect of the university through donations and support.
Bo Hemphill, MSU Foundation executive director of major gifts, said Seal’s contributions to the university are immeasurable.
“His support has positively impacted nearly every area of the institution, from academics to athletics,” he said.
Seal received multiple honors from the university and contributed a tremendous amount to MSU.
He was named National Alumnus of the Year in 1983, College of Business Alumnus of the Year in 2002 and was MSU Foundation president from 2000-03.
Jimmy Abraham, executive director of alumni activities, said Seal clearly made his alma mater a major part of his life.
“He showed his love for his alma mater through his active participation in so many university areas and also through his very generous financial contributions,” he said.
Seal funded the Leo W. Seal M-Club in honor of his father, a 1911 graduate of Mississippi A&M, and the Leo W. Seal Family Business Complex. Seal also gave the primary gift to the newly opened Templeton Athletic Academic Building.
“Leo Seal’s legacy to Mississippi State is his incredible spirit of giving . and it is reflected in buildings, in academic programs and in many anonymous gifts,” newly named MSU President Mark Keenum said. “He gave expecting no accolades. He was a true and devoted Bulldog.”
Seal was named president of Gulfport-based Hancock Bank in 1963 and continued to serve as president of Hancock Holding Company, parent company of Hancock Bank, until his death.
“He was equally committed to giving back to his beloved Gulf Coast, and his contributions will long continue to be seen in numerous economic development projects that helped the Coast thrive and survive even the most difficult times,” Keenum said. “Through his many philanthropic activities, he has left an example of a life truly and fully lived.”
MSU Interim President Roy Ruby said Seal’s charity to the university has paved the way for future generations of Bulldogs to enjoy.
“Leo Seal has been a major part of the life of our university since his days as a student-athlete in the late 1940s, and he will leave a legacy for generations to come,” he said. “His loyalty to Mississippi State is legendary, as is his great and continuing generosity in supporting facilities and programs at the university he so loved. He will be greatly missed.”