The family of the late John A. “Tommy” Manfuso of Chevy Chase, Md., has made a generous gift in his memory to Elon’s Campus Conservancy Endowment to sustain the university’s beautiful facilities.
Yardley M. Manfuso, John’s wife, and their daughters, Susan Fuge Faries of Potomac, Md., and Barbara M. Appleby, made the gift through the Thomas Allen Manfuso Foundation, which is named in memory of the Manfusos’ son.
Yardley Manfuso says her family has been impressed with Elon and the excellent opportunities given to Susan’s daughter, Ali, who is an Elon senior.
“Elon has given our granddaughter, Ali, a wonderful education,” says Manfuso. “She loves Elon and is so proud of everything about the school. I think it is fitting that this gift is made in John’s memory. He and Ali were very close, and he had a strong interest in education. He believed, as does our entire family, that a good education is about the best thing you can provide for your children.”
In recognition of the gift, Elon will name the plaza outside McEwen Dining Hall Manfuso Plaza in John’s memory. The plaza is a popular gathering place for students and is adjacent to the School of Communications. Elon will use Manfuso Plaza for university events and receptions. The dedication of Manfuso Plaza is scheduled for Sept. 28.
Following his graduation from Bowdoin College in 1951, John Manfuso served as a second lieutenant in the Army from 1951 to 1953. He enjoyed a successful career with the pharmaceutical company Burton Parsons and later joined his brother, Bob, and two friends to launch Four Brothers Stable, a horse breeding and racing partnership.
Manfuso’s passion for horse racing led him to join his brother and others in the management team that operated the Laurel and Pimlico racetracks in Maryland from 1985 to 1990.