The LSU Returning Student Scholarship is named in honor of Lawrence Buford. "Mister Buford", as he was known, was a WWII veteran who attended LSU after the war.

 

He was born in Morgan City, Louisiana on August 3, 1923 to Lawrence John Buford and Mary Jane Coleman Buford. After growing up in Morgan City, Lawrence served in the South Pacific with the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He then attended Louisiana State University, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. His first assignment took him to Biloxi, Mississippi, where he taught science and mathematics. He eventually became principal at Biloxi High School.

 

While in Biloxi, Lawrence met and married Yvonne Duvic in 1950. They became the parents of three sons - John, Bob and Paul. In 1961, the family moved to Austin, where daughter Laura was born.

 

In Austin, Lawrence taught science at Lamar Junior High School before being promoted to Science Coordinator for the Austin Independent School District. He eventually became Assistant Superintendent of AISD and retired in 1983.

 

During retirement, Lawrence enjoyed birding with the Texas Ornithological Society, teaching Sunday school at Crestview United Methodist Church and serving on the scholarship committee of the Austin Retired Teachers Association. He also enjoyed spectator sports, especially cheering on his LSU Tigers, and attended many of the LSU Austin chapter events over the years.

Lawrence John Buford, Jr. passed away in Austin, Texas on December 16, 2013 at the age of 90.

 

In recognition of his spirit and passion for LSU, the Returning Student Scholarship was named in his honor in 2015. Forever LSU!

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