Thanks and Gratitude

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OffiCE Of ADvAnCEmEnt

Spring 2017

in this issue

2 Letter from the president

2 impACt of YoUr Gift

3 BridGe to the fUtUre

4 LeAvinG A LeGACY

4 pLAnned GivinG AdvisorY BoArd

4 meet YoUr YoUnG ALUmni CoUnCiL

5 ABroms sChoLAr proGrAm

5 2016-2017 BoArd of trUstees

6 forWArd ever dAY

Jane mcDonald with BSC student veena Krishnan

BSC student Sherman Lake and Clarence ware ‘51

BSC students busy writing thank you letters to their scholarship donors

This november, BsC expressed its gratitude for members of the endowment Builders society at the annual Cornerstone Luncheon. members of this special group have enhanced educational opportunities for past, current, and future BsC students and provided a vital pipeline of resources for the college.

At the luncheon on campus, members met scholarship recipients and heard from campus leadership. The hilltop singers performed, and three outstanding student leaders shared how their own BsC

if you interested in learning more about ways to support students by funding scholarships, please contact meredith wolfe at (205) 226-4977 or mwolfe@bsc.edu.

Betty gunn ’60 poses with scholarship recipients maddie Sampson, Zoe wirt, and Sara Hale.

scholarships have positively affected them. A special thanks goes to Kathy G & Co. for donating a lovely meal, helping make this year’s event possible.

in addition, close to 400 students participated in Thanks and Gratitude day, writing more than 500 letters to personally express their thanks to the donors who support them. scholarship funds allow the college to attract top-tier students, to help them reach their potential, and to prepare them to lead lives of significance.

Bridge A messAGe from the president

A message from the president

The impact of Your Gift

every day i am made aware of yet another way B i r m i n g h a m - southern College enhances the lives of our graduates and those they serve. every day i am also made aware of the po-tential that exists to make

an even greater contribution to the quality of more lives, and of the responsibility we have for ensur-ing that this and future generations of students are provided the foundation that enables them to lead lives of significance – the foundation a BsC educa-tion produces. But every day, i become equally aware of the challenges to realizing that which is imagined.

The achievements you will read about in these pages were made possible through the generosity of loyal donors like you who believe that BsC is making a dif-

ference worthy of your support, and all of us at BsC are grateful. We can continue ’southern’s legacy of making a difference as long as we continue to share a vision and remain committed to seeing it realized.

Contributions pave the way for so many of the good things that happen on the BsC campus, and i want to say a hearty ‘thank you’ for all the ways you support the col-lege. special gratitude goes out to the wonderful friends you’ll see highlighted in these pages: Jim and tammy pierce, who launched our Bridge to the future campaign with their lead gift; Carey Chitwood and eddie Aldridge, who were so committed to BsC they planned legacy gifts to support student scholarships; hal and Judy Abroms and the Birmingham Jewish federation for enhancing Jewish student life on campus; and the generous donor who anonymously funded our cadaver lab, which is pre-paring the next generation of health care professionals for medical school and more.

support like this helps today’s students and puts BsC on the path to achieving larger enrollments through new and innovative programs, through a more aggres-sive recruiting program that embraces diversity in all its forms, and through our resolve to make BsC ac-cessible to more students. This edition of The Bridge identifies opportunities for you to contribute to the programs that make BsC the only nationally recog-nized liberal arts college in Alabama and one of only 40 colleges recognized as a college that changes lives.

The college recently unveiled a marketing program called rise to your potential. We want to give more students the opportunity to rise to their potential at BsC. Your ongoing support will make that possible!

forward, ever!

www.BSC.EDU Spring '17 2

several years ago, BsC received a generous pledge that allowed the college to create a ca-daver lab for upper-level pre-health students. Three years later, those gifts are still making an impact on our students’ lives and allowing them success after graduation.

“The opportunity for undergraduates to participate in the thorough dissection of a hu-man body is, hands-down, their most eye-opening and powerful collegiate experience,” said health professions Advisor dr. sue Buckingham, who taught the cadaver lab this fall. “This is an example of what sets BsC apart.”

Buckingham shared some comments from current students and recent graduates explain-ing how the dissection experience prepared them for their future careers in health care:

“This cadaver lab gave me a substantial head start in terms of being comfortable around a body and knowing the anatomy. i was well prepared for my gross anatomy course and was able to lead my group through dissections because of my prior experience and my confidence in dissecting.”

“When shown the cadaver lab with the other interviewees at the University of Central florida medical school, i talked about my experiences in BsC’s cadaver lab and not a single other candidate had this experience. The med students conducting the tour were amazed and a bit jealous that our school offered this course. When i was shown the medical school gross anatomy course schedule, i realized that BsC’s course had covered the same material. i am so fortunate to have had this experience as an undergraduate pre-med student!”

“We were able to dissect cadavers, system by system, and we learned much more compared to just having models and diagrams. i personally have never enjoyed a class more and i can say that i have never received more in return from one class. i hope that this opportunity is presented to more students in the future because i know i will be a better nurse because of my anatomy class.”

–Reed Butler ’15 Health Science Center, University of tennessee, memphis

–spencer nichols ’17 medical school applicant

–Peyton Thetford ’16Accelerated rn program at Samford University

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ABout Bridge to the Future: The three-year, $30 million fundraising initiative will support three strategic goals for building BSC’s next century: 1. Achieve sustainable and diverse enrollment growth for the next 100 years on the hilltop. We will do so by increasing access to BsC’s transformative education and by continuing to offer innovative programs designed to equip future professionals within a liberal arts mode. BsC will con-tinue with its innovative curriculum designed to ensure that all students gradu-ate with the skills employers and graduate schools seek, and increase access for a broad range of students.

2. Create a stable financial platform for growth and to en-hance student success. funds raised will allow BsC to provide scholarship support; build new programs; improve campus infrastructure; and continue to prepare students through the Krulak institute for Leadership, experiential Learn-ing, and Civic engagement and expanded experiential educational opportunities.

3. support and engage the larger community. BsC is one of Bir-mingham’s most enduring and valuable institutions, with more than 300 employ-ees and an estimated annual economic impact of $128 million. BsC plans to rein-vest in the community—especially in the Western Area of Birmingham—through a meaningful and forward-thinking academic curriculum that takes the classroom to the community and that brings the community to the classroom.

Bridge BridGe to the fUtUre

BsC has launched a three-year, $30 million giving initiative to build on the college’s strength as a national-caliber liberal arts institution. The Bridge to the future initia-tive will allow the college to introduce new academic programs, increase enrollment, and reinvest in the local community.

The college has received a $2 million lead gift to kick off the effort from Jim pierce ’74 and his wife tammy of destin, fla. Jim, a member of the BsC Board of trustees, earned an mBA from the Wharton school and is an investor, board member, and has held multiple executive positions at isagenix, a fast-growing health and wellness company.

“This initiative is a bold move for BsC, but Jim and tammy’s incredibly generous gift is indicative of the level of support the college has from our Board, our alumni, and the broader community. We are grateful to have the kind of commitment that will take our distinguished college to the next level and launch a new phase of sustained growth,” said BsC president Linda flaherty-Goldsmith, who is spearheading the ini-tiative. “i have been so grateful to Jim for giving his time to provide strong leadership on our Board, and now he and tammy have made such an important leadership gift.”

flaherty-Goldsmith said the initiative will give BsC a platform to expand its enroll-ment to 1,600 students by funding the costs of renovating first-year residence halls, providing scholarship support to incoming students, and helping recruit and retain faculty and staff. Last year, the college provided close to $30 million in aid to stu-

dents; 25 percent of BsC students are first-generation college students.

“most critically, the Bridge to the future will allow us to make the remarkable education we provide at BsC accessible to more students,” flaherty-Goldsmith said. “We have the opportunity to impact not just the lives of our students, but through them to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, our city, our state, and our world.”pierce, who came to Birmingham-southern on a scholarship while working nights at a local factory, said that his experiences at and support from the college put him on the path to success.

“There is no question that BsC changed my life,” he said. “tammy and i want to ensure that the next generation of students has the opportunity to receive the kind of hands-on, high-caliber education that this college offers--and that’s becoming even more im-portant as our world is becoming more complex. We are so excited about everything that’s happening right now on the campus and with the new strong leadership.”

Bridge to the future launches just as BsC is working to introduce several innovative majors and programs in the 2017-18 academic year, including a program in Creative and Applied Computing, a distinction in poverty studies, and a distinction in pub-

lic health. it will also help support the college’s efforts to expand its partnership with the Birmingham community, especially in the western neighborhoods that surround the school.

hatton smith, Liz featheringill pharo ’00, and richard Yeilding ’73, all members of the BsC Board of trustees, are serving as volunteer co-chairs of the initiative.

“BsC is on the cusp of greatness, and while we’re already respected as a top na-tional liberal arts college, it’s time for us to make sure that we’re bringing in the best students from all over the world,” smith said. “The community values Bir-mingham-southern, and BsC alumni drive the city forward. The Bridge to the future will allow the community an opportunity to invest in the college’s future.”

Bridge to the future launches with a $2 million gift

tammy and Jim pierce ‘74

pres. Linda flaherty-Goldsmith was named to the Birmingham Business Journal’s recent 2017 executives of influence list. The list is recognizes key leaders for their dedication in shaping their industries, as well as positively impacting the greater Birmingham economy.

it’s just one recent recognition of the important role BsC plays in moving the metro region—and the state—forward.

BsC president named executive of influence by BBJ

Building a foundation: Carey Chitwood

Leaving a Legacy

www.BSC.EDU Spring '17 4

Chair: Bill DowellOwner/president of vision financial groupsteve Briggs, CLu, ChFCpresident of petra Life Services, inc.Charlie Carlton, J.D.Executive Director of the United methodist foundation of north AlabamaClark Collier, J.D. Attorney at the Law Offices of C. Clarke Collier, LLCJeris B. Gaston, CFP, CRPCfinancial Advisor at Bridgeworth, LLCCynthia G. Lamar-hart, J.D. Shareholder at maynard, Cooper & gale

samantha Davis ’08 Jeanie sleadd ’09 (president) Whitney Williams ’09William Moore ’09 Keith Gray ’10

This year, BsC set out to strengthen its Young Alumni Council, selecting a group of 14 dedicated and talent-ed young alumni to engage recent graduates in ways tailored to their needs and perspectives. Birmingham-southern alumni who have graduated within the last ten years are eligible for membership. The council advocates for the interests of young alumni, proposes meaningful programs and services for current and future young alumni, educates recent graduates about goals of the office of Advancement, participates in fundraising efforts, and develops volunteers and future leaders to deepen their commit-ment to BsC. so far, the new council hosted a trivia night in January and is planning another event for young alumni for early summer.

The Alumni office seeks young alums who are passionate about working to enhance the post-graduate experience for all young alumni, regardless of their involvement as students, or their current engagement with the college.

if you are interested in connecting or serving, contact Christie Janey at ckjaney@bsc.edu.

2016-2017 members

Bridge LeAvinG A LeGACY

planned Giving Advisory Board

meet Your Young Alumni Council

The decision to attend BsC in 1947 was an easy one for Carey Chitwood. After all, he’d lived most of his life in Birmingham and graduated from phillips high school. his father, John henry Chitwood, was a highly re-garded minister in the United methodist Church and had served on the college’s Board of trustees.

And Chitwood thrived at BsC. As a student, he was a member of phi Beta Kappa and omicron delta Kappa; was included in Who’s Who Among students in American Universities and Colleges, was chairman of the honor Council, and was on the executive Council of the student Government Association. he graduated cum laude in 1950 and joined the U.s. Air force, where he also studied russian. After his honorable discharge in 1955, he went to the University of Alabama school of Law, where he was an associate editor of the Alabama Law review and re-ceived his L.L.B. in 1957.

All of those steps—built on a foundation created at BsC—led him to the law firm now known as Balch & Bingham. Chitwood died last may at the age of 87, but before he did, he wanted to build a lasting legacy to ensure that others would have that same strong educational foundation. following in his father’s footsteps, he set out to establish an endowed scholarship to enable future students to attend BsC.

After careful consideration, Chitwood decided to gift his home through his estate to fund the Carey J. Chitwood scholarship, and provide fur-ther support for his father’s scholarship. Carey’s scholarship will now be awarded, along with his father’s—the John h. Chitwood scholarship—to future generations of students.

The name of eddie Aldridge ’59 is well known across the south, both for the prolific plant that he discovered and patented—the snowflake hydrangea—and for the stunning botanical garden he created in hoover, which opened to the public in 2002 for everyone to enjoy.

Although he may be most associated with horticulture, Aldridge and his wife, Kay, are also committed to higher education and to his alma mater. They have loyally supported BsC’s annual fund and a number of endowed scholarships for decades. Like his father, with whom he started in the nursery business, Aldridge recognizes the importance of higher education and the transformative effect it can have on an in-dividual’s life. in fact, his father was the one who suggested he attend Birmingham-southern after returning from the service, and today Al-dridge credits the college with giving him the tools for success.

With education at the forefront of their giving priorities, the Aldridges have chosen to include a bequest to the college in their estate plans. They acknowledge the hilltop’s importance in the Birmingham community over the past 100 years, and have chosen to invest their gift to the areas of greatest need. This is their way of leaving a legacy and impacting future generations of students striving to lead lives of significance.

Jeff Looney, CLu, ChFC, LutCFfinancial Advisor at independence financial group Melinda Mathews, J.D.Shareholder at Sirote & permuttKelly Morrisonvice president of regions trustWilliam nicrosi, ii, CPA, CRPinvestment Counselor at Leavell investment managementKirby sevier, J.D. – shareholder at maynard, Cooper & GaleRalph Yeilding, J.D. – partner at Bradley

Kathleen hillen ’10Claire hubbs ’11 tiffany Dy Moore ’11Jennifer Commander ’12“CeCe” (Clementine Corbin)

Lacey ’12

nino Yu tiamco ’13Kayla Absher ’14 (Secretary)Mary Kathryn Waters ’15Jackson “Paden” Gaines ’16

planting the seeds: eddie Aldridge

if you would like more information about planned giving, contact meredith wolfe at mwolfe@bsc.edu or 205-226-4977.

Bridge ABroms sChoLAr proGrAm

www.BSC.EDU Spring '17 5

Thanks to a generous gift from Judy and hal Abroms, as well as the support of the Birming-ham Jewish federation, BsC has launched an initiative to increase Jewish student enroll-ment and to provide an even more meaningful student experience for Jewish students.

The Abroms have es-tablished the Abroms

scholars program to grant scholarships to outstanding Jewish students seeking to attend BsC. The first two schol-arships will be awarded to incoming students this fall.

“Judy and hal Abroms have been long-time leaders in Bir-mingham and in the Jewish community and their gener-osity is well-known to all in our area,” said vice president for Advancement dr. sara robicheaux. “This gift will help us to attract talented Jewish students who want to attend Birmingham-southern.”

in addition to the Abroms’ gift, a contribution from the Birmingham Jewish federation (BJf) will help provide seed money to establish a hillel, a place for Jewish stu-dents’ to gather for fellowship, and to provide experiences

that will further enrich the students academic and reli-gious experiences on the hilltop. BsC president emeritus Gen. Charles C. Krulak, a strong partner with the BJf, said the new efforts have been something BsC has been work-ing toward for many years.

“i am so appreciative to the federation and the Abroms for helping BsC launch this initiative and strengthen our relationships with the Jewish community on campus, in Birmingham and across the country,” Krulak said.

dr. Lester siegel ’79, BsC’s Joseph hugh Thomas profes-sor of music, will serve as faculty advisor, assisting with recruitment as well as helping to coordinate on- and off-campus activities for students. With the BJf’s help, the col-lege will also create a Jewish student Community Advi-sory Committee to provide support for Jewish students on campus and perform outreach for prospective students.

“diversity is one of our core values at BsC, and we wel-come students of all religious faiths and ethnicities who want to pursue their academic goals here,” said BsC presi-dent Linda flaherty-Goldsmith. “The Abroms scholars program, as well as the support of the Birmingham Jewish federation and the Birmingham Jewish community, will help us create and sustain a vibrant Jewish student popula-tion at BsC, and for that we are truly grateful.”

for more information please contact Jennifer Sholund ’95 at jsholund@bsc.edu or (205) 226-4979.

enhancing the Jewish student experience at BsCimproving the student experience and Creating opportunities for increased Jewish student recruiting efforts

Special thanks...to Kevin and Jane Stump whose generous support funds the annual Stump Entrepreneurship Lecture Series, and to Theresa and James Bruno for hosting a reception to honor this year’s Stump lecture speaker, Hallie Vanderhider.

mr. Harold L. Abroms

president Linda flaherty-goldsmith, Hallie vanderhider, James Bruno, and Theresa Bruno

Hallie vanderhider and Kevin Stump ’80

Mr. Dan K. AndersonMr. John Bigham Barnett, iii

Mrs. Brooke tanner BattleMrs. Derry Brice Bunting

Rev. Dale Robin CohenMr. Carl erwin Crosby

Mr. Robert Mack Dixon, Jr.Mr. Jack Watson echols, iiiMr. Walter Burt evans, Jr.

Mr. Denson n. Franklin, iiiMr. M. Williams Goodwyn, Jr.

samuel eugene Gray, MDMr. t. Morris hackney

D. Bruce irwin, MDMr. Clay C. Long

Mrs. Jane P. McDonaldMr. John James McMahon, iii

Mrs. elizabeth Featheringill PharoMr. James e. Pierce

Rev. R. steven ReneauMr. Bruce F. RogersMr. George B. salem

Dr. David Raymond salibaMr. scott Y. selman

Mr. Thomas edward sissonMr. David Michael smith

Mr. hatton C. V. smithMr. James t. stephens

Mr. Kevin Richard stump, sr.John Kevin tucker, MD

Mr. Chad stewart WachterBishop Debra Wallace-Padgett

Dr. Andrew R. WolfeMr. Richard B. Yeilding

Mrs. DeLynn Moring Zell

2016-2017Board of trustees

OUTER PANEL/MASTHEAD

INTHIS ISSUE:1234

OffiCE Of ADvAnCEmEnt

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