A Legacy of Commitment

Dr. Robert Knowles, Vice President for Advancement

Someone once said “think about your legacy because you are writing it every day.”

This insightful statement reminds us that legacy is not merely something that is constructed when we die, but rather a legacy is something that is built over our lifetime. Each day, each contribution, each conversation can leave something positive to be remembered.

There are different points in life where we start thinking seriously about our legacy: What will my career be? How will I seek to raise my children? How will I influence my grandchildren? How will I change now that I am 50? How does my first brush with death affect my priorities?

For many, when it comes to our philanthropic legacy; we might think, “My modest gift wouldn’t make a difference,” or “I’d never want to draw attention to my giving; it’s just what I do from a heart of commitment and gratitude.” I want to remind you that every gift is important and is part of your story – your legacy – whether or not it is large or results in a lot of recognition.

I continue to marvel at the commitment of our supporters, some of which have stood with us for decades, while others have started investing in the University’s ministry more recently. However, no matter the amount of time that an individual has supported us, one thing remains clear: students like myself from back in the 1980’s through to students today have felt the positive impact and benefits of our strong donor base. In addition, it is because of this donor support that a large part of our legacy is helping to raise a generation that benefits from a first class education and a positive foundation for life.

Maybe you’ve never thought of it that way, that a gift can be a part of your legacy. That’s how I view our family’s giving to Crandall University – we join with others to invest in students, helping to keep their education affordable so they in turn can go from here and make a positive mark in their chosen field and serve their world. It’s part of my passion for a younger generation; it’s the little bit I can do that will outlive me, and knowing that gives me great joy.

When I attended Crandall University (ABC), I experienced a series of life-changing events: I met my wife, made life-long friends, was able to discern God’s calling in my life, and was massively encouraged by caring faculty and staff. All these years later, I’m happy to say that the supportive and influential community that shaped me is still alive and well today, as people like you and me continue to make it part of our legacy to give to the mission of Christian higher education.

So thank you. On behalf of our students, thank you. As I talk with them in the hallways, I am reinforced in my call to work here, and as I follow their progress after graduation, I am inwardly grateful for the part that Crandall has played in their life journey. That has been our legacy in so many lives for more than seventy years, and it continues to this day.

Dr. Robert Knowles (’89) has served as Vice President for Advancement since 2012. He is married to Crystal (Huxter) (’92, ’16), and they are parents of two Crandall graduates and two current students.