Posted by Mary Wimberley on 2011-08-30

 

Samford University acknowledged the generosity of an elite group of donors during the opening convocation of the fall semester Tuesday, Aug. 30.

The 75-member Founders Circle honors those who have supported the university with a financial commitment for at least 35 years.

“Their combined gifts over the years exceed $17 million,” said Samford president Andrew Westmoreland, adding that without them, “the Samford that we know today would not exist.”

Founders Circle members, seated together, received prolonged, appreciative applause from the Wright Center audience of students and faculty.   

The Founders Circle includes 18 members who have given to the university for 40 years or more. Five of the 40-year donors--- Lee and Catherine B. Allen, Calvin and Vivian H. Howard, and Irene McCombs--- attended the convocation and were seated on the stage.

Following the convocation, all Circle members enjoyed a luncheon at the home of President and Mrs. Andrew Westmoreland.  Specially designed pewter plates depicting Samford buildings were presented to the 40-year givers.

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.