1960

Make a Living

Leo Sanford (#55) an LA Tech alumnus (All-American Linebacker/Center), retired from a 10-year in the NFL: 8 years with the Chicago Cardinals (All-Pro in 1956, ’57) and 2 years with the World Champion Baltimore Colts.  His teammates included Jonny Unitas, Raymond Berry, Lenny Moore and other NFL Hall of Famers.  Tom Landry asked Leo to come out of retirement in 1960 with the Dallas Cowboys’ inaugural team, but because of a knee injury, he retired during training camp.

From the NFL, Leo started in the sports equipment industry in North Louisiana, which eventually led him to class rings, senior supplies, and letter Jackets.  He formed the company we now go by locally as Graduate Sales.

Make a Difference

Leo and his wife of 68 years always heavily supported LA Tech in many ways. After Myrna passed in 2018, Leo established in her honor the largest athletic-endowed scholarship in the school’s history.

1976

Make a Living

Leo’s son, Steve Sanford, an LA Tech alumnus, moved to Southwest Louisiana to continue building what Leo had started with Graduate Sales. Yearbooks were added to the existing offerings of class rings, senior supplies and letter jackets.

Make a Difference

Steve also began introducing Southwest Louisiana to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). FCA was- and still is – used to impact coaches and athletes by encouraging integrity, serving,teamwork, and excellence. He is now the SWLA Area Director and Chaplain for all McNeese sports.

2007

Make a Living

Clint and Cris Sanford, the grandsons of Leo and sons of Steve, started in the family business.  Clint after playing football for and graduating from Northwestern State and teaching 5th grade for 5 years, joined Graduate Sales.  Cris, after playing football for 2 years at McNeese and Rugby for 3 years at LSU, also joined the family business.

The “Sanford Sons” continued to grow the family business adding to the class rings, senior supplies, letter jackets, and yearbooks.  In 2017, they launched Lagniappe Photography, which provides school and sports photography services.

Make a Difference

Clint and Cris both are actively involved with the local FCA through leading Bible studies, FCA camps, and serving on the local board.

Through Lagniappe Photography, they have been able to give a portion of each picture purchased to DeWanna’s Closet, which helps students in need get school supplies and school uniforms for free.