Published on December 12, 2024 by Joelle Youngblood  
Ron and Cindy Mims

Founded in 1841, Samford University has long benefited from the generosity of others. Formerly known as the DeVotie Society, the 1841 Society pays tribute to our rich history while recognizing alumni and friends who have completed a planned gift to Samford.

While the most common type of planned gift is a simple bequest made through a donor’s will, a charitable gift annuity is another great way to make a planned gift. A charitable gift annuity allows donors to contribute to Samford while receiving a fixed rate regular income for one or two lives. In most cases, donors can take a charitable deduction on a significant portion of their gift. By establishing a charitable gift annuity, donors can designate their gift for a particular purpose and make a lasting impact on future generations of students while enjoying the financial security that comes with it.

Ron and Cindy Mims represent this spirit of giving with their recent $1 million charitable gift annuity to Samford. Their motivation stems from a long-standing connection to the university, beginning with Cindy’s visits during high school and Ron’s academic and professional journey. Ron graduated in 1970 with a degree in pharmacy, and Cindy earned two degrees from Samford: her bachelor’s degree in education in 1960 and a Master of Science in Education in 1976.

“Samford is a beacon for others to be successful, and that’s the reason we’re giving our funds—to help students come to Samford and be successful,” Ron said.

The Mims understand the critical role of planned giving in ensuring the university’s sustainability. Their financial journey began with modest contributions and steadily grew, illustrating how Samford’s guidance has influenced their philanthropic choices. Their gifts have also served as tributes to their late son, further deepening the significance.

“Samford was founded in 1841 and has stood the test of time. Through the generosity of couples like Ron and Cindy, Samford will continue to endure,” said Bo Kerr, assistant vice president for university advancement.

“We got here by wanting to encourage others to give,” Cindy said. “If alumni want Samford to be here for the next generations, they need to give. Our biggest goal is to inspire others to join us in giving to Samford so others will experience the joy that we’ve found in our journey.”

This story was first published in the fall 2024 issue of  Seasons magazine.

 
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.