When Love Leads to Generosity

An Interview with Otis and Christy Louttit Crowder ’82

“We met at Queens,” Christy Louttit Crowder ’82 recalls warmly. For her and Otis Crowder, Queens University is much more than a place of education—it’s the foundation of their shared life. Both were business students who arrived on campus in 1979: Otis, an engineering graduate, was pursuing additional knowledge for running the family construction company, while Christy, a non-traditional student, was working her way through a business degree. As Christy puts it, “Queens allowed me to complete my college education, and that was incredibly useful for me.”

“Although I didn’t finish my MBA studies, it gave me a great background for business issues, which I’ve used throughout my career,” Otis explains. Under his leadership, Crowder Constructors Inc. grew to what it is today: a diverse infrastructure contractor throughout the Southeast. He appreciated how accessible the education was, letting him take evening and weekend classes.

Though he wasn’t the only one working and learning.

Christy traded in her office job to wait tables while pursuing her bachelor’s degree. “I loved having a balance,” she said, finding solace in Queens’ quiet study spaces and the ceramics studio. She recalls the importance of finding those corners of peace and the multidisciplinary focus on campus.

While their education was incredibly impactful on their lives, the best thing that happened was meeting each other. They chose Belk Chapel for their wedding, ultimately inspiring their latest gift to the university, which will help fund necessary upgrades to the chapel and establish dedicated programming and support for holistic student wellness.

Their generosity is not only an expression of gratitude but also an opportunity to pay it forward. As Christy explains, “I hope the ability to educate people is sustained—it requires support.”

The Crowders’ gift has earned them induction into the prestigious Ministrare Society, an honor reserved for donors whose lifetime contributions exceed one million dollars. For them, the recognition is secondary to their desire to see future students benefit from the same experiences that helped shape their own lives. “Queens was so important to us, and we’d like to see that benefit be achievable to others,” says Otis.

Their philanthropy extends beyond the chapel. Over the years, the Crowders have also supported scholarships and capital campaigns, aiming to broaden access to a Queens education. “We initially focused on scholarships because we want to make education available to a wider range of people,” Otis explains.

Christy’s love for Queens remains as strong today as it was during her time there. “Queens allowed me to swim, create art, and study in a smaller, supportive environment,” she reflects. That personalized experience is what the couple hopes to preserve for future generations.

The Crowders’ legacy at Queens continues to grow, especially with the next generation of their family now attending the university. Their granddaughter is set to graduate next year, continuing the family tradition of benefiting from a Queens education.

Through their generous contributions, the Crowders ensure that Queens remains, as Otis puts it, “a dynamic place for students to thrive.” Their story—rooted in love, community, and a shared commitment to education—is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of giving back.