VILLANOVA, PA. — Albert Lepage, retired co-chairman of Lepage Bakeries Inc., has pledged $10 million to Villanova University to establish the Center for History in the Public Interest. The commitment marks the largest-ever gift to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the university’s oldest and largest college.
The Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest will be a multifaceted resource that through academic programs, research, publications and events will engage the public, policymakers, scholars, teachers and students from history and other fields.
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| Albert Lepage, retired co-chairman of Lepage Bakeries Inc. |
“My hope is that the good study of history will foster a greater understanding of today relative to yesterday,” Mr. Lepage said. “History often repeats itself, and the center will bring historical perspective to current events.”
Lepage Bakeries, Inc. is a 113-year-old maker of bread, rolls, English muffins and donuts. Mr. Lepage joined the family business in 1971 and was co-owner from 1978 and chairman from 1983 to 2012, when the company was acquired by Flowers Foods, Inc. He also was chairman of the Quality Bakers of America Co-operative and treasurer of the American Bakers Association.
Mr. Lepage graduated from Villanova University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1969. Prior to his recent gift, he established the Albert R. Lepage Endowed Professorship in History at the College.
