Spire 2022

CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN STORIES

A world traveler who recently visted Antartica, alumnus and trustee Bob Houck recently completed a visit to all seven continents. However, his favorite trips are reserved for Bluefield each year. As active supporters of The Heritage Society, Bluefield University's planned giving society, he and his wife, Shirley, established The Houck Scholars. This scholarship award will benefit students in the Caudill School of Business or the School of Education and Social Sciences with need. "God has been very good to me. It is an honor to serve and to share a portion of what He has given me with Bluefield University." - Mr. Robert "Bob" Houck '67

"We believe in supporting the community that supports us. That is why we are proud to be members of the Rams Club at Bluefield University. Ensuring student-athletes can go further in their studies and life ensures a brighter future for us all."

- Mr. Ron Mallory, President

In addition to their support in constructing the third-floor addition of The Science Center of Bluefield University, SWOPE Construction has served as a long-time supporter of scholarships for student-athletes through the Rams Club. As title sponsors of the annual Golfers' Challenge, they have assisted the University in raising over $50,000 for athletics in recent years.

Former Alumni Association President Shirley Meador created a scholarship over a decade ago with the goal of helping future teachers with tuition aid. Each year she has faithfully committed gifts to this scholarship and with market growth, this endowment fund has nearly tripled in size further benefiting the students it was created to serve. "A little here and there goes a long way in creating an endowed scholarship. It doesn't take much to get started and to benefit so many for a lifetime." - Mrs. Shirley Chapman Meador' 73

"We give online during #RiseUpRams and BUGiving Day because it is an easy way to support my alma mater and we know students immediately receiving scholarship support they need."

- Dr. Michael Harris '97 and Mrs. Heather Harris

Mike and Heather Harris have served as matching gift supporters during several of the University's giving day campaigns. Through their challenges, which offered dollar-for-dollar matches to other alumni and friends, additional scholarship support was raised for students at Bluefield University. Mike is fond of telling other alumni and community members that "everyone can give something because they were given something from Bluefield."

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