Society of 1925

Charlie Latuda – Life of Impact

Few have left so lasting an impact on Trinidad State as Charlie Latuda ‘48. Born the son of Italian immigrants, Charlie’s life was one of commitment and service to our community. He taught at Trinidad State for over three decades, twice winning Fulbright Fellowship awards for his instruction. Charlie also served as Athletic Director from 1961-76, a period of extended athletic excellence for the College.

In 1968, recognizing the ongoing need to support the College, Charlie was part of the team that established the TSC Foundation. During the late 1980s, he would also lead an effort to secure $500,000 in donations to fulfill a federal matching grant program, building up the Foundation’s scholarship endowment.

Charlie’s personal philanthropy at Trinidad State included annual full-tuition scholarships, typically in the health sciences programs. In partnership with the Foundation, Charlie also helped establish a home-building program that offered training and academic credit for students in the building trades program—a program that also created affordable housing options for Trinidad and provided new revenue to the Foundation.

In 2008, the State Board approved the renaming of Dowell Hall to Latuda Hall to honor his commitment to Trinidad State. His gifts also supported classroom renovations in honor of his good friend, Morris Taylor. Charlie would also be among the first inductees into the TSC Foundation's Hall of Fame.

In planning his estate, Charlie utilized a charitable trust—the proceeds of which now fund multiple scholarships in perpetuity. In typical fashion, he directed a portion of his gift to establish the Margaret Richter Memorial Fund, once again honoring a good friend.

The Society of 1925 is proud and pleased to remember Charlie Latuda.

If you would like information about establishing a scholarship, please contact Toni DeAngelis at toni.deangelis@trinidadstate.edu or call 719-846-5520.