When Madison Rugby alumni think of what it means to wear the Madison jersey, they often think of Luis De Souza Pinto. Originally from Brazil, Luis came to JMU in 1998 and immediately found his home on the rugby pitch. He became a team captain and vice president, personified the culture of the club, and embodied everything Madison Rugby stands for, on and off the field.
Luis passed away in a jet skiing accident in 2004. When his teammates learned the news, they didn't wait to honor him.
Built by Alumni, For the Game
Within four months, the Madison Rugby community raised $25,000, the full amount needed to establish an endowed scholarship at JMU, five years ahead of the timeline they had been given. Donations came from original players who founded the club in 1975 all the way through recent graduates. The speed and breadth of the response said everything about the kind of man Luis was, and the kind of community he helped build.
"He personified the love for the game, and everything that came with playing rugby at Madison is Luis." Brian Rainey ('04)
The Luis De Souza Pinto '02 Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established by Brian T. Rainey ('04), on behalf of the Men's Rugby Football Club alumni and the friends and family of Luis who contributed to make it a permanent part of JMU's scholarship landscape.
Who It Supports
The scholarship benefits international student/rugby players attending JMU, a fitting tribute to a player who came from Brazil and made Madison his home. Since its founding, interest in the scholarship has come from prospective players across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
"By setting up the memorial scholarship, rugby alumni have honored their friend in a most appropriate way." Ted Sudol, JMU Director of Charitable Gift Planning
A Legacy That Continues
Luis loved JMU. He gave back to it by calling alumni through the Madison Connection program, by leading his teammates, and by bringing a spirit to the program that has never left. The scholarship bearing his name ensures that future international student-athletes will have the same opportunity he did: to find a team, find a home, and fall in love with Madison Rugby.
To learn more about JMU Rugby scholarships or to support the Luis De Souza Pinto Memorial Scholarship, visit http://jmu.edu/give or contact Brian Rainey ('04) at raineybt@gmail.com.
