BOSTON— Suffolk University officially dedicated the Leonard J. Samia Academic Center at 20 Somerset St. in a celebration recognizing the transformational philanthropic leadership of distinguished alumnus Leonard J. Samia, BSBA ’69, and his enduring impact on generations of Suffolk students.
“How fitting it is that we name this building after a man who experienced firsthand the transformative power of a Suffolk education and who is so deeply invested in helping others access those life-changing experiences,” said President Marisa Kelly at a ceremony that drew hundreds of Suffolk community members in celebration of the Samia family. “How appropriate it is to have Leonard Samia forever linked to the building that is so central to our academic enterprise and that will be central to that enterprise for decades to come.”
Samia is continuing his longstanding support of Suffolk students through a $10 million gift to the University in support of student scholarships—the largest single alumni gift in the University’s history and one that is providing access to a Suffolk education for promising students now and into the future. Named in honor of Samia’s father, Bert J. Samia, the gift will fund students from Massachusetts who have significant financial need.
The dedication ceremony, which took place on Roemer Plaza, in front of the Samia building, also included remarks from Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo, a Suffolk Law School alumnus; Trustee Larry Smith; and Samia scholarship recipients.
“This unprecedented donation for need-based scholarships will help Suffolk continue its tradition of helping deserving students achieve their goals for many years to come,” said Speaker DeLeo. “This generosity will lead to even greater things coming out of Suffolk University.”
Samia is president and CEO of The Samia Companies, a family-owned residential and commercial real estate company. He began his career as a schoolteacher before achieving great success in the real estate industry, and his commitment to education has been evident through his company’s offering financial aid not only at Suffolk, but also for the educational pursuits of many of his employees and their families.
Samia has been a major contributor to Suffolk University, with a focus on helping Massachusetts students with financial need achieve their educational goals as well as in direct support of 20 Somerset (the lobbies all bear the Samia name).
Samia earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Suffolk University; his daughter Olivia graduated from Suffolk in 2012 with a degree in communication and advertising; and daughter Alexandra earned a Suffolk master’s degree in business administration in 2011.
“One gains wealth, not to enjoy himself, but to help the needy,” Leonard Samia said.
The 20 Somerset building that now bears the Samia name opened in 2015 and was designed to take full advantage of innovations in teaching and learning. Its focus on science and technology, including its labs and active-learning classrooms, prepare students for critically important jobs in growing industries. The building also is a hub for Suffolk’s communication program, with cutting-edge production and editing suites and a state-of-the-art social media lab.
