Jeanna had her first introduction to the Legacy League, then called the Samford Auxiliary, by Elouise Williams, the organization's coordinator at the time. Elouise recalls being asked by Samford’s presidential search committee to entertain Jeanna for an afternoon while her husband, Andy, was involved in interviews. “We all hoped to convince the Westmorelands that Samford would be a great destination.” The convincing was clearly effective, as the Westmorelands responded to God’s call and committed to come. “After meeting with Jeanna, I had every expectation that she would excel in the first lady’s traditional role as executive director (of the Auxiliary),” Elouise said. “She is a tremendous leader, organizer and visionary.”
Jeanna has, indeed, excelled. Committed to helping students with significant financial need, she led the organization to “totally refocus its mission toward those individuals who are in dire circumstances in every aspect of their life,” said Alta Faye Fenton, the first Auxiliary president with whom Jeanna served. “Her passion for education and understanding of student need and financial resources have been invaluable in focusing our efforts to provide life- changing scholarships and increased holistic support to our students,” said Kathy Clay, current president of the organization.
Since 2006, when Jeanna arrived, the Legacy League has added 27 endowed scholarships, increasing the organization’s total endowment by over $3 million. These scholarships are truly life- changing—helping students who have faced challenges including the death or disability of a parent or sibling, abandonment, inner-city violence, parental job loss, homelessness, or the sacrifices of full-time ministry in a remote place. The Legacy League bridges the gap for students who cannot afford a university education, even with generous academic scholarships, other forms of financial aid and part-time jobs.
During Jeanna’s tenure, the Legacy League has also expanded its ministry to the students it helps financially. “Not only has your financial generosity provided scholarships for me to attend Samford, but moreover, your prayers, cards, fellowship dinners and much more have provided comfort and encouragement for me during the last four years,” said a recent graduate and Legacy League scholarship recipient. “It has made all the difference. No matter the circumstance, I always knew that I had an amazing support system during my time at Samford in the Legacy League. You all have been the biggest blessing to me, and I am so very thankful.”
The increases in endowed scholarships and care for students are direct results of Jeanna’s efforts to engage new people in the organization, which now includes nearly 800 members ranging in age from 21 to 101 years old. Members combine to serve over 5,700 hours in typical years, volunteering in a myriad of ways. In addition to caring for students, they plan and implement multiple programs and complex fundraisers, including an annual Christmas Home Tour, the organization’s signature event. Much of the planning happens around the Westmorelands’ kitchen table.
Jeanna’s tenure as the Legacy League’s executive director will end in June, but the work of the Legacy League is far from finished. The organization welcomes guests at its events and encourages new members to join the mission. The new Jeanna King Westmoreland Legacy League Scholarship was created to honor Jeanna’s service and continue the important work to which she has dedicated her life.
