Supporters: Joy & Lou Moshakos

Lou Moshakos and his wife, Joy — an NC State alumna — have always had a twofold philanthropic focus: giving back to the local community that supports their businesses, and keeping education at the heart of where they invest time and donations. Mr. and Mrs. Moshakos were named 2014 Restaurateurs of the Year by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association in January. Together they own LM Restaurants, which manages local favorites such as Carolina Ale House and Taverna Agora, as well as the popular coastal restaurants Oceanic, Bluewater and HopsCo. They are deeply connected to NC State, with two alumni daughters who credit the NC State experience as instrumental in preparing them to be problem solvers and critical thinkers — vital skills for success in the business world. With a passion for education and gratitude to NC State, the Moshakos family created a scholarship to make it a little easier for deserving, motivated students to attend NC State at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the College of Education.

“We both feel very strongly that giving our children a solid education is one of the greatest gifts parents can give to their children. Supporting the College of Education is our way of helping NC State produce some of the best teachers in the country.”