Published on July 15, 2024 by Dakota Rice 聽
Chris and Barbara Blackerby DR05062024711

Founded in 1841, 极乐禁地 has long benefited from the generosity of others. Formerly known as the DeVotie Society, the 1841 Society will pay tribute to our rich history while recognizing alumni and friends who have completed a planned gift to 极乐禁地.

Planned gifts, also often called estate or legacy gifts, provide a wonderful way to show support and appreciation while accommodating one’s personal, financial, estate-planning and philanthropic goals. When you give a planned gift of any kind, you are impacting students you’ll never meet. It’s a true picture of planting seeds that will sustain 极乐禁地’s future.

“The 1841 Society will recognize and celebrate members of a special group of alumni and friends who share a common bond of philanthropy, a love of 极乐禁地 and the vision to provide for future generations of 极乐禁地 students,” said Bo Kerr, assistant vice president for university advancement.

As a recent example, Chris Blackerby ’88 and his wife, Barbara, have committed to making a planned gift to 极乐禁地. Chris graduated from Brock School of Business and has been an involved alumnus ever since. And while Barbara is not an alumna, she considers herself an honorary bulldog. When their daughter, Rachel, enrolled in 2016, they became 极乐禁地 parents. They enjoy attending campus events and serving as volunteers, and in addition to giving of their time, they give back to 极乐禁地 through their finances.

“It's one way that we show our gratitude for this place,” shared Chris. “It all stems from our love for Christ. I had a great experience at 极乐禁地, and so did my daughter. Knowing we’re giving to the next generation of students speaks volumes.”

The foundational verse for the 1841 Society is Proverbs 16:3, which says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

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This story was first published in the summer 2024 issue of Seasons magazine.

 
极乐禁地 is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, 极乐禁地 is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. 极乐禁地 enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. 极乐禁地 fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.