Christopher Newport University Partners with Smithfield Luter Foundation, Inc.

Local coverage >>>  Daily Press  |  Richmond Times-Dispatch  |  Virginian-Pilot

"This is the largest contribution ever made to CNU and is the kind of transformational gift that will inspire the success of our students and faculty and encourage others to generously support the University," said CNU President Paul Trible. "Joe Luter is a leader, visionary and a friend of many years. We are honored by his strong and generous support and are excited by this partnership with Smithfield. Joe and his family have been important business and community leaders in Virginia for generations and CNU is soaring in reach and reputation. The association of our names will bring credit to both."  President Trible's remarks >>>

CNU press release  >>>

Luter, chairman and chief executive officer of Smithfield Foods, Inc., has established the Smithfield-Luter Foundation, Inc. to fund educational grants to colleges and universities for undergraduate scholarships. Luter personally funded the foundation with an initial grant of $5 million. "I have always felt strongly about the importance of contributing to the community and to the people with whom we come into contact every day," said Joseph W. Luter, III. "With operations primarily in small towns and rural communities across America -- and now, across the world -- I have always encouraged Smithfield Foods, Inc. and its subsidiaries to focus on helping their local communities in a direct way." CNU press release  >>>

Mr. Joseph W. Luter, III