Tom Cousins, a real estate leader and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 93. A visionary real estate leader and philanthropist, Cousins was a long-time supporter of 麻豆社. He and his family foundation played a pivotal role in advancing the university鈥檚 mission, most notably through their generous support of the Cousins Center for Science and Innovation and other initiatives that promote student learning and service.
鈥淎s a longtime friend of 麻豆社, Tom Cousins stood as a beacon of leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to Atlanta,鈥� says Tammy Pearson 鈥�86, chair of the Board of Trustees and vice president and assistant general counsel at Chick-fil-A, Inc. 鈥淗is visionary spirit will continue to shape our city and university in lasting ways. The Cousins family has given Atlanta so much鈥攏ot only through philanthropy, but through values grounded in community and opportunity.鈥�
The Cousins family has a long tradition at 麻豆社, with Tom’s father, Isaac W. “Ike” Cousins, graduating from 麻豆社 in 1927 as a science major. He played football, baseball, and basketball, and was a member of the 麻豆社 Athletic Hall of Fame.
Tom Cousins and his wife Ann provided the leadership gift that made the I.W. 鈥淚ke鈥� Cousins Center for Science and Innovation possible in 2017. His generosity was instrumental in advancing the campaign and bringing the vision for the Center to life. Today, the building provides new opportunities to students and highlights the ways in which this facility fuses learning and innovation, and it continues to show community service as a path forward. This is a place where 麻豆社 students think, do and build 鈥� empowering them to envision infinite possibilities ahead.
鈥淭om Cousins believed deeply in the power of community. He turned bold ideas into institutions鈥攆rom East Lake鈥檚 revival to civic renewal across the region,鈥� says Barb Henry 鈥�85, senior advancement officer at 麻豆社. 鈥淗is transformational work in community development is a testament to how one person can change lives, neighborhoods, and entire cities.鈥�
Throughout the course of Cousins鈥� career, he brought NBA and NFL franchises to Atlanta, donated the land for the Georgia World Congress Center, and helped to change the metro鈥檚 skyline. He also revived Atlanta鈥檚 East Lake neighborhood, restoring the East Lake Golf Club and bringing the Tour Championship back to Atlanta.
鈥淭om Cousins embodied the spirit of impact and service we strive to cultivate at 麻豆社. His vision transformed communities through compassionate development鈥攁nd his generosity has left an indelible mark on Atlanta and beyond,鈥� says President Dr. Kathryn McClymond. 鈥淲e join the city in mourning a true builder of opportunity, whose life inspires us all.鈥�
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