Spire Summer 2020

outcomes

Gilberts Honor Tradition of Higher Education Philanthropy

I n 2019, Franz and Ashley Gilbert established the W. W. and Robbie Stephens Endowed Scholarship at Bluefield College, which honors the legacies of the late W.W. and Robbie Stephens. W.W. and Robbie Stephens, Ashley’s grandparents, created a tradition and expectation of attaining a college degree. “After their passing, they inspired us to establish a scholarship in their names. Since their alma mater had so many students using the Hope Scholarship, we decided to select a college near and dear to our hearts,” said Ashley Gilbert, spouse of alumnus Franz Gilbert ‘97. Franz Gilbert attended Bluefield College in 1995 utilizing the non-traditional route. He took advantage of BC’s adult degree completion program, which was designed for students who already had credits earned and just needed to finish their degrees. These programs were held across the state of Virginia in a hybrid face-to-face/online format. The opportunity still exists, but it is now fully online to allow maximum flexibility and attainment across the country. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bluefield. We’ve worked to stay engaged with the school for more than 20 years and feel blessed to have experienced such a wonderful Christ-centered education,” said Franz. “We’re very thankful for the Gilberts and their desire to leave a legacy at Bluefield College through an endowed scholarship,” said Josh Grubb, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Franz and Ashley. They have a sincere desire to help students have access to an education at BC.” Bluefield College’s advancement team facilitates many annual and endowed scholarships each year. Endowed scholarships are popular among donors because they create perpetual awards.

Gilberts committed to support The Bluefield College Fund, also referred to as The BC Fund, annually. “Supporting the BC Fund is significant for Bluefield College to be able to apply resources where they are needed the most,” said Franz. The BC Fund is Bluefield College’s annual giving program, which gives the college the flexibility to apply funding where the need is greatest. The program has been growing in popularity for the past decade thanks to annual support from alumni and families like the Gilberts. “It truly doesn’t take an enormous gift to make an impact to the BC Fund,” said Nicole Chicklo-Kaklis, Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. “We see gifts from $5 to $50,000 come in each year to the BC Fund, and we’re extremely grateful to get all of them. It takes all of us to make a difference. If you’re on the fence about supporting BC or don’t think you’ll make a difference, you’ll be encouraged to know that you are. Call me and I can quickly introduce you to students who are happy that more and more alumni are supporting the BC Fund, no matter the size of their gifts.” If you or anyone you know is interested in establishing a scholarship at Bluefield

Franz Gilbert, Class of 1997, and wife, Ashley

The initial donation, plus additional gifts to the fund, is added to the college’s endowment account, and the college awards the scholarship based on a portion of the investment income. To ensure a reasonable scholarship award is created, the college’s minimum endowed scholarship is $10,000. “Creating an endowed scholarship at Bluefield College is easier than most people think it is,” said Grubb. “The Gilberts and I were able to complete the process in just a few weeks after we determined the appropriate criteria and funding plan. Their endowed scholarship gift will generously help the college’s endowment while creating a scholarship that will last forever. That’s a really nice way for the Gilberts to honor Ashley’s grandparents’ legacy and create a legacy of their own at BC.” “Our experience

College, the Office of Institutional Advancement can be reached at 276-326-4458.

establishing the scholarship was very easy,” said Ashley. “We expected a long, drawn-out process and were delighted with the entire process. We would encourage others to bless others in the same way.” In addition to endowed scholarship support, the

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