Samford Legacy League Happenings Spring 2023

LEGACY LEAGUE

Happenings

| Spring 2023

Renowned Quartet Sons of Serendip to Headline 2023 Scholarship Celebration

by Sadie Goodman

Anticipation is building for the 2023 Scholarship Celebration, which will feature a heartfelt performance by Billboard-charting quartet Sons of Serendip. The group took America by storm in 2014 after auditioning for America’s Got Talent on a whim and has since enjoyed a dynamic touring career, from prestigious American symphony halls to the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.

Vocalist Micah Christian, cellist and vocalist Kendall Ramseur, pianist Cordaro Rodriguez and harpist Mason Morton came together during their time in graduate school at Boston University. They now have produced four albums which span the depth and richness of classical and modern musical styles to suit any music lover’s palate. If you are a fan of Mannheim Steamroller or The Piano Guys, this ensemble is not to be missed. Don’t let the simplicity of the instrumentation fool you—this group has fine-tuned its skills to

SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION

Thursday, April 20

Covenant Presbyterian Church

5:30 p.m. Sponsor Reception

6:30 p.m. Celebratory Dinner

8 p.m. Concert

$125 per person

($55 tax deductible)

Tables of 8 are also available. For reservations and more information, go to samford.edu/legacyleague.

convey a powerful, largerthan-life sound to its audience.

When asked to perform on America’s Got Talent: The Champions spin-off on NBC in 2019, Micah Christian remarked that the group was particularly grateful to be able to show judges Heidi Klum and

Scholarship Celebration Committee

Front: Paula Gossett, Kristen Comer, Wendy Cook, Rhonda Cantelow; middle: Claire Gwaltney, Rhonda Orr (chair), Karen Carlisle, Shea Williams; back: Marilyn Henry, Amy Duffey, Sherri Foyt, Sharon Smith; not pictured: Julie Cundiff, Rohaun Green, Robin Greer, Julie Taylor, Julia Vasquez

Howie Mandel how much they had improved over the past four years. Originally eliminated before the finale of America’s Got Talent, the group was devastated, but Micah commented that “we knew our lives would never be the same.” Each group member was able to quit his day job and embark on a fulfilling recording and touring career, churning out new material for demanding audiences.

If you’d like to hear Sons of Serendip before enjoying them live, check out their

hit “Somewhere Only We Know,” a short but passionate ballad packed with emotion and an inspirational climax. Micah’s smooth and long-winded vocals are a refreshing listen in a world where short-phrase pop songs dominate. Each member’s classical training shines through in this ensemble and is the basis for warm and luscious retellings of popular songs, as well as classic carols on their Christmas album entitled Christmas: Beyond the Lights.

Their performance at the 2023 Scholarship Celebration will take place on Thursday, April 20, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. What better way to honor our hard-working scholarship recipients than with this uplifting evening of world class music by world-renowned quartet Sons of Serendip. Proceeds will benefit the new Legacy League Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing Centennial Scholarship. 

Sons of Serendip

Christmas Home Tour Sets Multiple Records

by Kathryn Woodruff

The Christmas Home Tour was, once again, an unqualified success from beginning to end! In its seventh year as presenting sponsor, ARC Realty led the way, along with the Christmas Home Tour Committee, chaired by Tricia Naro. Almost 150 volunteers helped with publicity, assembling holiday treats, home hosting and everything else that was required. Let’s celebrate these new records that were set:

• 909 tickets sold

• Over $62,000 raised for scholarships

• $36,250 in sponsorship revenue

We are forever grateful to the generous homeowners who had their homes so beautifully decorated and ready for viewing: Kathryn and Doug Eckert, Wansley and Ryan Griffi n, Bridget and Andrew Patterson,

Jenny and Scott Sobera, and of course, Julie and Beck Taylor.

Anyone who toured surely appreciated each home for its style, amenities and beautiful Christmas decorations, but this tour could also be characterized by some of the comments overheard while touring. “Are those flowers real?” “Did you know the pool was just completed last night?” “I could live on this porch.” “Every room is so spacious!” “I’ve got to buy a few things before I leave.” “What a view of the golf course!” “Are the walls covered in fabric?” “I love the family portrait wall.” “You’ve got to see this ping pong table.” “That violinist was fabulous!”

Regular guests probably noticed a few happy changes this year, mostly at the Samford President’s Home. We were excited to include seven pop-up shoppes in the ballroom, accompanied by the beautiful live music that we have come to expect. And the food, also offered in the ballroom, was a festive combination of packaged goodies and homemade dessert items, plus hot and cold drink options.

Please thank and support our sponsors:

PRESENTING SPONSOR

2022 Christmas Home Tour Committee

Front: Molly McLain, Mary Margaret Yeilding, Jan Service, Amy Hacker, Julie Taylor, Tricia Naro (chair), Cindy Hardy, Karen Carlisle; back: Pam Wood, Julie Davis, Cindy Bembry, Kristen Comer, Sharon Smith; not pictured: Julie Cundiff, Paula Gossett, Christy McKiernan, Becky Neuberger, Sheila Smith, Julia Vasquez

With the tour being such a success and having become a beloved community tradition, all we can say is “Thank you!”—to our sponsors, volunteers, homeowners, pop-up shoppe vendors and guests. Working together, these groups made a significant contribution to the total amount raised since this event premiered in 2011—over $363,000! Now let’s all take a deep breath and get ready for next year! 

PREMIUM SPONSORS

SPONSORS

Shutterbug, LLC/ Alla & John Lewis

Jeremy Corkern Studio

Mayer Lighting Showroom

Mook Mills Cheese Straws

RD Designs

Ruby Ansley Interiors Inc.

Brandino Brass

David P. Condon, P.C.

The Fresh Market

Hanna’s Garden Shop

Robert F. Henry Tile Company

Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery

FRIENDS

Brian's Flooring & Design

Brookdale University Park

Senior Living Holt AV/Video

Piggly Wiggly Homewood

Royal Cup Coffee & Tea

Thompson’s Frame Factory

Lead hostesses meet to prepare for their home tour duties.

Eliza Hudson, Jan Service and Ginger Brown help package holiday treats to be offered at the Samford President’s Home.

Susan Yates Encourages Luncheon Attendees to Shift Focus to God’s Character Traits

by Frances King Abrams

PREMIUM SPONSORS

SPONSORS

Susan

Alexander Yates, popular return speaker for the Scholarship Luncheon, believes we should “shift our focus” from our current issues and concerns to God’s character traits: “His pure love, His always-ready forgiveness and the fact that He always provides.”

At the February 9 event, which netted nearly $20,000 for scholarships, Susan spoke on “Discovering an Infi nite, Intimate God,” sharing a message of God’s love, His character and three keys to spiritual growth. “We doubt [God’s love] because we don’t really know God’s character,” Susan told over 250 luncheon attendees. “Our disappointment in humans transfers to our view of God.” Three essentials for spiritual growth are to distinguish between natural growth and spiritual growth, discover a new perspective and choose where to focus.

Susan said two words changed her life: “Remember Me.” By that, she meant focusing on God’s character and trusting Him to handle our issues. Citing Matthew 6:33, she said she practices God-focus by concentrating each day on one of His attributes.

“When we think no one knows how we feel, remember that Jesus, our high priest (Hebrews 4:15-16), understands our every struggle,” Susan advised.

Another highlight of the program was the testimony of Praise, a political science major and scholarship recipient. Praise, who aspires to become an attorney, had given up on attending Samford because of family illnesses and limited fi nances. “The Legacy League has made my college experience easier both physically and mentally,” she said.

Scholarship Luncheon Committee

Front: Donna Jowers, Karen Carlisle, Paula Gossett, Cindy Anderson (chair), Ginny Scott; back: Sharon Smith, Kristen Comer, Karen Boatright, Julie Cundiff, Cynthia Brast-Eldredge; not pictured: Molly Bee Bloetscher, Julie Taylor, Julia Vasquez, Harriet Williams, Shea Williams, Pam Wood

A moving part of the event came when Executive Director Julie Taylor introduced Samford alumni Ron and Cindy Files Mims, whose new scholarship honors the

Grace Cook & Judd Fleming

Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Alan and Co. Fine Jewelers

Ashley Mac’s Inc.

B. Bayer & Co.

Monogramming and Gifts

Baker Lamps and Linens

Birmingham Bulls Hockey

Bistro V

Molly Bee Bloetscher

Bloom & Petal

The Blue Willow

Bromberg Jewelers

Lauretta Baker

Sue Belcher

Dianne Booth

Karen Carlisle

Iron City Wealth

Kimeran Stevens

The Barn at Shady Lane

Julie Collier

SILENT AUCTION CONTRIBUTORS

The Cajun Cleaver

Christine’s on Canterbury

The Cottage Basket

Deo Gloria Wood Works

Diamonds Direct

Fleming’s Steakhouse

Greystone Marketplace

Christy Herzog

Humphrey’s Dog Resort

I ♥ Mac and Cheese and More

Issis & Sons

Jim ‘N Nick’s Community BBQ

Kendra Scott at

The Summit

Lee Raybon Art

Levy’s Fine Jewelry

Margarita Grill

Melinda Storey Pottery

Miss Alabama Scholarship Organization

Monograms Plus

The Nail Bar

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Orlean Beeson School of Education

Pastry Art Bake Shoppe

Regions Bank

Frances Register Salon U Seasons 52 Shelby County Arts Council

So Filled with Love Photography

Town & Country Clothes

The White House Interiors

Wild Things Flowers and Curiosities

Pam Wood

memory of their son, Ronnie, Jr. Read more about the Mims family on page 8.

The luncheon also included a lively Silent Auction for Scholarships featuring 49 items. We are grateful to Cindy Anderson and her committee, our generous sponsors, the auction contributors and the over 50 volunteers who made the event possible. 

Facing Transition

by Karen Carlisle

Susan Yates continued to encourage Legacy League members and guests the evening of February 9 at the inaugural Casual Supper & Table Talk in the Regions Room in Samford’s Cooney Hall. Board member Ginny Scott enlisted and coordinated volunteers to help welcome guests, provide desserts and lead table discussions for the group of around 60 who attended.

After supper and fellowship around the tables, Julie Taylor directed our attention to the inspiring video testimony of former Legacy League scholarship recipient Harrison Hansard, who is now an ICU nurse in Birmingham. Susan then spoke on “Trusting God in Life’s Transitions.” She pointed out that transitions are the norm in life and that we need to look for God’s truth in these times. She encouraged us to “rely on His presence, recall His provision and rest in His promises” as we encounter transitions.

Following Susan’s message, attendees enjoyed lively guided discussion around the tables and the opportunity to ponder applications for Susan’s Biblical wisdom. We appreciate the effort that Ginny Scott and her team of volunteers invested to provide such an encouraging time. 

Scholarship recipient Praise shares her Samford story.

Susan Yates offers words of wisdom to the luncheon crowd.

Junior Board Reports a Successful Year

by Caroline Carlisle

Thejunior board is enjoying another wonderful year with the return of favorite events and the introduction of new endeavors to serve Legacy League scholarship recipients.

On October 27, 2022, the junior board brought back the successful Fall Breakfast for its second year. This event, held in the Regions Room on Samford’s campus, provided an opportunity for Legacy League members and the broader Samford community to network with professionals in the Birmingham area and to hear from Cord Sachs, founder and CEO of FireSeeds and Wildsparq. Cord provided valuable leadership insights from his career, and attendees left inspired by his message of faith-fi lled entrepreneurship. Gretchen Norris, fall membership event chair, led the junior board’s efforts in planning and hosting the event. She was assisted by her excellent volunteer committee whose contributions both facilitated a successful membership event and deepened Legacy League relationships.

The junior board also hosted a number of restaurant fundraisers throughout the year under the guidance of Taylor Cole, restaurant fundraiser chair. Through these events, the junior board raised scholarship funds and provided fun opportunities for fellowship. Additionally, at the November restaurant fundraiser, Sarah Grace Featherston, student care liaison, led volunteers in assembling care packages and cards to be distributed to Legacy League scholarship recipients during their fi nal weeks of the semester.

December saw the return of the junior board’s poinsettia sale led by Caroline Carlisle, fall fundraiser chair. Over 100 poinsettias were sold, raising nearly $500 for the Legacy League Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing Centennial Scholarship.

At press time the junior board was fi nalizing its plans for a Cooking Demo and Tasting with Chef Ivy Odom at the Samford President’s Home. Rebecca VanHook, spring fundraiser chair, and her committee have worked hard to prepare for the event. In addition to sampling two appetizers and a signature beverage, attendees are receiving custom recipe cards so they can recreate Ivy’s recipes in their own kitchens.

The junior board is thankful for a successful year of fun and fellowship thus far and looks forward to continued growth as it serves Legacy League scholarship recipients through its fundraising efforts! Don’t miss the junior board’s next event, Pickleball & Picnic, scheduled for Saturday, April 15. Co-chairs Tanner Fields and Jessica George and their committee are planning a fun morning. 

Junior board members plus family and friends assemble care packages during the November restaurant fundraiser at Chipotle.

Gretchen Norris, Hollie Garner, Annesley Streets and Trent Taylor gather for a meeting of the Fall Breakfast Committee.

The Fall Breakfast featuring Cord Sachs was well attended by guests of all ages.

Taylor Cole, Zack and Hollie Garner and President Paula Gossett enjoy the Legacy League's Homecoming Tailgate.

Mary Beth Bush, Caroline Carlisle and Hollie Garner load poinsettias into a customer’s vehicle.

Cindy Hardy: A Very Engaged Member

by Jo Klepper

CINDY HAS BEEN A MEMBER of the Legacy League for seven years, and she has defi nitely not “sat on the sidelines”! She has served as vice president for membership and greeters chair. She has also hosted Tapestry sessions; contributed to decoration, setup and cleanup efforts for Scholarship Luncheons and Celebrations; helped with publicity and addressing invitations; participated in student care and Fellowship Suppers; and served in membership recruitment, on the Christmas Home Tour Committee and as a home hostess. She said one of the primary benefits of serving is meeting so many great members. Cindy is always telling others about the Legacy League and extending invitations to attend a meeting, even offering transportation.

After she graduated from UAB School of Nursing, Cindy and her husband returned home to Dothan, Alabama. They moved back to Birmingham 39 years ago. Her initial involvement with Samford was through her oldest daughter, a graduate of Samford's Orlean Beeson School of Education who is now in the master’s program in education.

Q: How did you first get involved with the Legacy League?

A: I was invited to a meeting by my friend Kathryn Woodruff. After hearing the testimony of one of the scholarship recipients, I knew I wanted to be involved in this organization. Q: How have you been impacted by volunteering with the Legacy League?

A: I’ve been impacted positively by student testimonies, the organization’s vision and mission, the caliber of the leadership I have observed and the variety of inspiring programs.

Q:What highlights can you share from your recent areas of involvement with the Legacy League? A: A recent highlight was serving as a lead hostess during the 2022 Christmas Home Tour.

When asked about her favorite aspects of volunteering with the Legacy League, Cindy’s response was “all of it”—fundraising, the events and the opportunities to interact with our students. Her enthusiasm is contagious! 

Where Are They Now? Amy Cross Duffey: Nursing Award Recipient Encourages Students to Give Back

by Cynthia Walker Watts-Barrineau

AmyCross had never heard of Samford University as a student in Gadsden, Alabama. She attended a preview day her junior year of high school and said, “This is it!” Knowing her father’s fi reman’s salary could not send her to Samford, Amy earned good grades to qualify for scholarships. Her senior year she received a Samford Auxiliary (now Legacy League) scholarship and did not require student loans. From high school salutatorian in 1996 to graduating cum laude with her B.S.N. from Samford in 2000, her life had changed.

Amy believes Samford teaches the whole person. She spent two weeks of her junior year in the British Isles where she and a friend took a train to Edinburgh, Scotland. En route back to the Daniel House, Samford’s five-story home in London, they encountered several weather and travel challenges. Amy says that was a turning point to becoming an adult. “I knew then that I could do this!”

Two years after graduating, Amy was introduced to her future husband. They had been at Samford at the same time without meeting. Two years later Sam Duffey proposed to her on Valentine’s

Day under the Sherman Oak. Her ring was in a new Bible with her future name on it.

Amy and Sam support Samford and the Legacy League and encourage others to give back to Samford. She currently serves on the Scholarship Celebration Committee and is also an adviser for her sorority, Chi Omega. The Duffeys’ 16-year-old daughter, Livy, is already looking forward to being a Samford Bulldog and participating in Step Sing.

For over 20 years Amy has worked at Brookwood Hospital, where she does pre-admissions testing. Her dedication resulted in her receiving the Ida V. Moffett Courage to Care Award in 2018. Amy quotes Ida V. Moffett’s book, “It takes courage to care, to open the heart and act with sympathy and compassion.” 

Amy, Sam and Livy Duffey

VOLUNTEERS in Action

Serving at the dinner for international students and MKs are Beverly Sansom (chair), Patricia Hawk, Karen Carlisle, Barbra Summers, Diane Eggert, Paula Gossett, Michelle Little and Julia Vasquez.

Gretchen Norris, Jenna Sims, Hollie Garner, Caroline Carlisle, Heather Averett and Mary Beth Bush are ready to load poinsettias on pickup day.

Junior board members host scholarship recipients for a Fiesta Fellowship Supper.

Cheerful volunteers at the Taylor home include Rohaun Green, Christmas Home Tour Chair Tricia Naro, Executive Director Julie Taylor, Kathryn Hoppers and Leslie Armstrong.

Cindy Mims, Inga Clum, Cheryl Landreth, Molly Bee Bloetscher and Phyllis Crocker prepare visitor bags for Open House guests.

Christmas Home Tour hostesses at the Eckert home are ready to greet the large number of expected guests.

New members Mary Byrd, Claire Gwaltney, Chris Lacek and Brenda Scott meet with Vice President for Programs Jan Cobb (second from right) at New Member Orientation.

Sarah Grace Featherston, Anna Claire Pope and Caroline Carlisle represent the junior board at the Open House.

Gwen Childs, Vanetta Newton and Marcelle Ciampa assist arriving guests at the Fall Luncheon.

Kathryn Woodruff and Lori Sullivan are paired up during a matching game at the August board of directors meeting.

Julie Davis, Carlissa Cunningham, Amy Hacker, Paula Gossett, Rob Elsner, Sharon Smith and Julie Taylor meet to enjoy a prayer walk on campus.

Molly McLain, Julia Vasquez, Rhonda Orr, Cindy Bembry, Danna Duncan and Julie Davis help set up the Samford Food Pantry.

Marilyn Hallman, Janice Roberson, Virginia Glaze and Alta Faye Fenton enjoy fellowship while addressing invitations for the Fall Luncheon.

Volunteers prepare goody bags to be given to scholarship recipients at the October Fellowship Supper.

Janice Fleming, Eyleen Widjanarko, Katie Hughes, Naomi Blackwell and Marilyn Palmer address invitations for the Open House.

The home tour benefited from the help of almost 150 volunteers. This group served as hosts at the Griffin home.

Elliott Family Scholarship—A Tool for Ministry

by Sharon Smith

Chizuru Elliott embodies Gospel ministry, using her incredible cooking skills, heart for teaching and gift of hospitality to be the hands and feet of Jesus. She views the new Elliott Family Legacy League Scholarship as a way to minister to students who have faced tremendous challenges by providing them with transformational educational experiences. She prays its recipients will view the scholarship as the Lord’s provision and experience deepened faith as a result.

Growing up in Tokyo, Chizuru could never have envisioned her future. Seeking a graduate degree in blind rehabilitation, she came to the United States—a brave decision and example of her deep passion for service. She met, then married Jeff Elliott, and they moved to Birmingham, which has been home for decades. Chizuru started a Japanese school to help other families keep their Japanese heritage while experiencing the love of Jesus. She also taught Japanese at Samford and Birmingham-Southern College and has been part of a local Japanese church for many years.

As a 36-year-old mother of two young children, Chizuru battled breast cancer. “I was really, really sick,” she said, “but felt love from God. During that time, He taught me to trust Him.” After her chemo treatments, she invited people into her home to thank them and share her testimony, impacting many, including her daughters. “She … has always been such a great example of how important it is to serve and love others just as Christ has done for us,” one said. “The strength of her faith has become the most evident as she has battled cancer, now for the fourth time. With each diagnosis, she continues to depend on the Lord, and inspires me to do the same. …”

The Elliott Family Legacy League Scholarship was announced at the November meeting. Though Chizuru could not be present, her daughters, Christina (Elliott) Douglas and Stephanie (Elliott) Walter, and son-in-law, John Walter, attended. Stephanie and Christina are both Samford graduates. 

New Memorial Scholarship Honors Mimses’ Son

by Sharon Smith

Two years have passed since Cindy and Ron Mims’ son’s unexpected passing. The earthly loss of their only child brought overwhelming grief, along with a deep

desire to honor Ronnie, Jr. by helping others. The Mimses decided to create a new Legacy League scholarship to enable students with challenging circumstances to “pursue dreams, goals and opportunities.”

“Life makes twist and turns, and … we sometimes get thorns instead of flowers. We had a wonderful son, Ronnie Mims, Jr., who died, and we are very, very sad and miss him a lot. But as believers we are not going to let the thorns cause more and continued hurt and sadness. (We) are working awfully hard to turn a bad, sad situation into something good. This will be a way of helping for a long, long time, (so others will) have the opportunity to have long-term success that we missed with our son, Ronnie, Jr.”

Ronnie, Jr. joined the Mims family as a three-week-old, an answered prayer for his

parents, who waited five long years for a child. He was “an encourager with a tender heart,” described Cindy. “He loved people, and he was a leader in the community.” An athlete, Ronnie excelled at tennis, which he loved to play with his dad. He spent six years in the U.S. Air Force, becoming a staff sergeant before his honorable discharge.

The Mimses met at Samford where Ron studied pharmacy and Cindy majored in elementary education. Attending the university was a financial challenge, particularly for Ron, whose tennis scholarship and jobs made it possible. Both Ron and Cindy credit Samford for providing a strong foundation for their successful careers. Cindy taught for 25 years; Ron’s work as a pharmacist spans over four decades. They’re eager to see the transformational impact of their new scholarship and hope others will be inspired to change lives, too. 

The Elliott Family

Julie Taylor recognizes Ron and Cindy Mims at the Scholarship Luncheon for creating a new scholarship in their son’s memory.

School of Nursing Centennial Commemorated with New Scholarship

by Julia Vasquez

One million. It’s a difficult number to grasp—more than our finite brains can imagine. One million days is over 2,739 years. One million miles equates to over 40 trips around the earth. One million pounds is roughly the same weight as 83 elephants. That’s heavy! One million is the number of nurses our country is predicted to lack by 2030.

Melondie R. Carter, Ralph W. Beeson dean and professor, already feels this burden. “We have never had the nursing shortage that we have. Currently in Birmingham we’re 1,000 short of registered nurses.”

During World War I the United States experienced its first serious shortage of trained nurses. To help meet the need, Birmingham Baptist Hospital School of Nursing was founded in 1922. It was renamed Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing in 1968 and moved to Samford University in 1973. The contributions of former dean Dr. Nena Sanders were recognized in 2020, when the school was

Meet Our New Staff Member

by Dana Daniel Blake

Shea Williams Assistant Director

Shea Williams—wife to Mark; mother to Savannah, Graham and Heidi; alumna of both Samford and the University of Alabama; native of Bluff Park; taxi driver for kids; lover of nature walks; and former teacher. Her passions are to serve others and meet new people. Her goal is to bring honor and glory to the Lord. Welcome, Shea, to the Legacy League!

renamed Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing. This academic year Samford University is celebrating the school’s 100th anniversary.

To commemorate 100 years with more than 7,000 well-trained nurses—and to respond to such a critical shortage—the Legacy League Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing Centennial Scholarship was established. This new scholarship will help aspiring nursing students who face significant financial need and challenging circumstances.

The scholarship will provide essential assistance to students themselves, change the trajectories of their lives and influence the care of an exponential number of their future patients. A 2020 nursing graduate and former Legacy League scholarship recipient, Harrison Hansard, can picture the impact. “This is a life-changing opportunity for a person who never thought that they would be able to attend Samford. It’s investing into a nurse … into someone who can truly provide care, someone who can change someone else’s life.”

Scholarship recipients and volunteers at the December Fellowship Supper enjoyed a delicious meal and then had a little fun with Christmas-themed hats and eyewear.

Several enthusiastic members and family helped cheer the Bulldogs to victory at the Samford-ETSU basketball game on February 4.

MEMBER UPDATE

July 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023

New Challenge

Najwa Bateh

Julie Collier

Julie Cook

Carlissa Cunningham

Jeanelle Day

Missy Evans

Kasey Fiscus

Sharon Fussell

Molly McLain

Dana Mungenast

Tereasa Rima

Ashley Seligson

Elisabeth Souders

Beck Taylor

Trent Taylor

Sarah Tice

Pam Wood

Challenge Upgrade

Heather Averett

Marcelle Ciampa

Betsy Elsner

Robert Elsner

Jane George

Sharon Head

Peggie Johnson

Patsy Sandefer

Sharron Schlosser

Jan Service

Wayne Stanley

Peggy Teel

Nanette Yeager

New Life

Elizabeth Doyle

Teresa Durrett

Maureen Erb

Rohaun Green

Eliza Hudson

Maryam Iranikhah

Karen Knight

Sarah Rich

Chantelle Smith

Shea Williams

Life Upgrade

Karen Boatright

Mary Beth Bush

Caroline Carlisle

Amy Duffey

Judy Duncan

Rebecca Edwards

Malinda Felts

Connie Macon

Carolyn Markham

Viveka Rosenberger

Pamela Worrell

New Annual

Caroline Adams

Mary Elliott Aderholt

Angie Barber

LuAnne Barron

Sandra Boyken

Betty Bridgmon

Delisa Brown

Mary Byrd

Diane Caldwell

Eva Click

Susan Colpack

Lynn Dill

Susan DuBose

Julie Edwards

Sarah Grace Featherston

Jill Foshee

Jessica George

Mary Glasgow

Susan Gordon

Claire Gwaltney

Gail Hathorne

Mary Henderson

Angie Holder

Martha Jones

Rosemarie Kramer

Jeannie Krumdieck

Chris Lacek

Michelle Little

Carla Novaes-Reddick

Kathy Petro

Anna Claire Pope

Georgeanne Przybysz

Lindsey Reed Curl

Carol Rutledge

Brenda Scott

Linda Squires

Annesley Streets

Barbra Summers

Joyce Thompson

Sabrina Tinsley

Kristen Torres

Anna Waugh

Kathy Williamson

Whitney Wilson

Joelle Youngblood

DONORS

July 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023

Amelia Perry Apperson Scholarship

Katherine & Billy Bishop

Lottie Jacks

Ann Keeney Layne Scholarship

Ann & Ron Layne

Laurin & Bryan White

Big Oak Ranch Scholarship

Julie & Mark Stewart

Brandon David Booker

Memorial Scholarship

Amy & Taylor Beattie

Byron and Sarah Smith Scholarship

Jennifer Whitaker

Caitlin Creed Scholarship

Kathy & Brad Creed

Gail & Mike Hathorne

Cindy Files Mims and Ron

Mims Legacy League

Endowed Scholarship

The Lilly Foundation

Cindy & Ron Mims

Cowley MK Endowed Scholarship

Lauretta & Carlton Baker

Karen & John Bergquist

Bill Cowley

David Oladele-Bankole

Lynn & Stan Stepleton

Elliott Family Scholarship

Chizuru & Jeff Elliott

Elouise Wilkins Williams Scholarship

Catherine & Lee Allen

Brenda & Doral Atkins

Barbara Shepherd

Glenn and Frances Slye Scholarship

Brenda & Doral Atkins

Glenn Slye

Mary Woodham

Jean and Pat Sullivan Scholarship

Jean Sullivan

Jeanna King Westmoreland Scholarship

Marynell & Bill Ford

Julie Taylor Scholarship

Julie & Beck Taylor

The Templeton World Charity Foundation Fund

Legacy League Fund

Allison Boone

Amy & Sam Duffey

Diane Eggert

Rosemary Fisk & Howard

Walthall

Rohaun & Corey Green

Marilyn & Reginal Hallman

Ann Hobbs

Katie & Richard Hughes

Jeannie Krumdieck

Dana & Mike Mungenast

Laurie & James Negre

Vanetta & Reginald Newton

Leigh & Gil Simmons

Sharon & Hartwell Smith

Sheila & Rowan Smith

Linda & Joel Squires

Peggy & Larry Teel

Legacy League Scholarship

An Anonymous Donor

Cheryl Acton

Alabama Power Foundation

Christy & Dustin Allen

Brenda & Doral Atkins

Lee & Bill Baggett

Linda & Milford Bass

Naomi & Allen Blackwell

Pat & Jim Blanton

Emily & Bob Blount

Renee & Mike Booker

Karon & Birch Bowdre

Betsy Box

Karen & Don Boyd

Annie Capps

Gwen & Staff Childs

Linda & John Clark

Jan & Mike Cobb

Julie & John Collier

Jonathan & Marlene Cox

Bonnie Dantzler

Kay & Rudolph Davidson

Leigh Davis

Amy & Sam Duffey

Danna & Bert Duncan

Gladys & Charles Dunkin

Jessellan Dunn

Diane Eggert

Jane George

Linda & John Godfrey

Rhega & Fritz Gordon

Marilyn & Reginal Hallman

Anna Kathryn & Mike Hardin

Anne Hartline

Sara & Philip Hassler

Patricia Hawk

Marilyn & Jim Henry

Andi & Steve Hill

Ann Hobbs

Susan & Darren Ingram

Carol & Hal Jacks

Mary Johnson

Rosemarie & John Kramer

Chris Lacek

Cheryl & Jim Landreth

Charlotte & William Langner

Amy & Brian Lee

Nancy Lewis & Walt Stricklin

Georgia Lipsey

Luckie’s Pinestraw

Emily & Ken McElhaney

Leanne & Brandon Messer

Betty & Malcolm Miller

Kelly & Arnold Mooney

Sharon Morgan

Sarah Moseley

Newk’s Vestavia

Katharine & Gerald Nichols

Marilyn Palmer

Sherry Parker

Robin & Vic Paschal

Barbara Patton

Diane & Mike Payne

Anne Payton

Joan & Wray Pearce

Janice & Ray Roberson

Virginia & John Russell

Beverly & Dennis Sansom

Laura & Doug Skiles

Jenny Smith

Sharon & Hartwell Smith

Kimeran & Bill Stevens

Jean Sullivan

Candace & Jim Surface

Julie & Beck Taylor

Kayla & TJ Vigneulle

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*represents multiple donors **deceased

A Listening Ministry

Iam so grateful for the numerous and various ways that Legacy League members minister to and serve our scholarship students and fellow members. Many of you are familiar with our protocol for soliciting volunteers—a form is sent to members asking you to register your interest and ability to serve. But one of our most important volunteer ministry opportunities has no formal protocol, no SignUpGenius and no reminder emails. And yet, our participation rate is off the charts. I have found that Legacy League members minister to others through the simple but profound act of listening

Legacy League members minister by listening to the vulnerable sharing of student testimonies, to a speaker’s thoughtful words of wisdom, or to a family’s story of tragedy turned into hope through a scholarship endowment. As I look around the room from the podium at our events, I see compassion and care in each of your faces as you listen. Truly, I wish every member would have the opportunity that our students have to step up to the podium, speak from the heart and experience the ministry of listening. As they look out to a room full of warm and welcoming faces, our students and guest speakers are greeted with a powerful glimpse of Christ’s glory—a room full of

eyes (not many dry) that speak compassion and care, and smiles that speak hope and joy.

The ministry of listening is an action that speaks louder than words. Listening is a gift that arises from a humble and curious heart. Humility and curiosity in turn can lead to understanding. Understanding another’s story or circumstances connects us to others in profound ways. It is these connections that build up our community. Listening not only helps us to build sustaining community, it also builds up the kingdom of God. By listening with compassion and humility, we display the love of the God who uniquely creates each one of us (Psalm 139), the Savior who died for all (Romans 5:8), and the Holy Spirit that adopts each believer as a child of God (Romans 8:14-16). When we listen, we recognize the gift of kinship that we share in Christ.

In his book Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community, German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945), a man who was arrested, imprisoned and martyred for his Christian faith by the Nazi regime, writes about the importance of listening in Christian community:

“The fi rst service one owes to others in a community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to

by Julie Taylor

God’s Word, the beginning of love for others is learning to listen to them. God’s love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives God’s Word, but also lends us God’s ear. We do God’s work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them.”

Thanks be to God for each of you who continues to show up for the ministry opportunity with no protocol, no SignUpGenius and no reminder emails. Thank you, Legacy League, for ministering by listening. You are good kin. 

©2023

Kathryn Woodru , editor

Anna Kathryn Hardin, copy editor

Contributors: Frances King Abrams, Dana Daniel Blake, Suzanne Blankley, Caroline Carlisle, Karen Carlisle, Sadie Goodman, Katie Hughes, Jo Klepper, Sharon Smith, Julie Taylor, Julia Vasquez, Cynthia Walker Watts-Barrineau

Creative Services: Laura Hannah, Sarah Waller

Samford University

Photography: Meg Donovan, Wansley Gri n, Deidre Lackey, Sharon Smith, Julia Vasquez