Photo courtesy of The Atlanta Business Chronicle and the University of Georgia
University of Georgia Building Named for Lambda Chi Alpha Member’s Family
As part of one of the University of Georgia’s new initiatives, the Business Learning Community, two new buildings have been named in honor of prominent donors in the Athens, Georgia community. One of these donors is the Benson family, holding strong ties to Lambda Chi Alpha.
The family is extremely well-known not only on Georgia’s campus, but throughout the surrounding community.
In 1918, Howard Benson founded Benson’s Inc. The company now includes Benson’s Hospitality Group and Benson’s Bakery. Following in the footsteps of his father, Ed Benson ( a member of the Nu Zeta chapter at the University of Georgia) took over the family business, growing it into one of the most successful in the area.
Ed Benson and his family have been involved with the Terry College of Business for many years, greatly earning their spot on the campus through generous gifts to the college. Benson Hall is near completion and will stand as a testament to the support provided by the Benson family.
Through his time at the university and in the community, all describe Ed Benson as modest, but very involved in not only the school, but also with Lambda Chi Alpha. Ed was a crucial part of the planning efforts and operation of the chapter’s centennial celebration.
“I feel very privileged to be a fraternity brother, former employee, and now personal friend of Ed Benson,” said David Breedlove, member of Nu Zeta. “What the Benson family has done for the Athens community and for the University of Georgia is truly outstanding.”
Today, Benson’s Hospitality Group operates several hotels in downtown Athens, while Benson’s Bakery provides cake products to retailers nationwide.
To learn more about Ed Benson’s life and legacy, click here.
