Planned Giving Newsletter Fall 2014
MILY E RUDDEN Pheritage society
Estate gift from beloved professor supports new technology center Nancy Henderson, a longtime member of the Pfeiffer community, was a familiar presence on the Misenheimer campus from 1964-2002, first as an English professor and then as the university’s first certified computer information systems faculty member. Since her death in February, Nancy Henderson’s spirit continues through a provision for Pfeiffer in her will. Among the projects her gift supports is the Nancy Henderson Interactive Technology Center for Engaged Learning in Crumbley Hall (see adjacent story), which was dedicated at Homecoming. The center features SMART classroom equipment, including state-of-the-art computer and audiovisual equipment. “The impact of thoughtful generosity such as this elevates and sustains Pfeiffer’s ability to deliver its promise of excellence to students,” said Dr. Tracy Espy, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “This technology center will have an impact on every Pfeiffer student and their ability to acquire knowledge and build skills necessary for meaningful careers in today’s competitive workforce.”
Larry and Donna Loflin Crumbley, class of 1963, invest in Pfeiffer for today and tomorrow As Larry ’63 and Donna Loflin ’63 Crumbley approach retirement, they’ve decided to “give back” to Pfeiffer by making possible the renovation of a Misenheimer campus space where they spent much of their time as undergrads—as well as to support their alma mater in the future. At Homecoming 2014, the Dr. D. Larry and Donna Loflin Crumbley Lecture Hall, formerly known as Jane Freeman 200, was dedicated in recognition of their gift. The second-largest learning space on campus, Crumbley Hall retains its familiar traditional design, fireplace and woodwork but now also includes extensive architectural and technology upgrades to accommodate 21st-century teaching and learning.
Donna, who studied sociology as well as psychology, history and secondary education— and eventually became an Internal Revenue Service agent, believes their liberal arts foundation prepared them for any careers they could have chosen. “A solid, all-around education gave us the ability to function well in all areas of our lives,” she said. “We both came from very humble beginnings; our Pfeiffer scholarships gave us the chance to build something we couldn’t have otherwise.”
The Crumbley’s gift is primarily an estate gift that will be realized in the future. Its structure was possible last year due to a tax law that expired at the end of 2013 (possibly to be reinstated by Congress for “Pfeiffer set us on Crumbley Hall was dedicated by President 2014) that allowed a path to start our and Mrs. Jerry Boone in Jane Freeman Hall lives,” said Larry, individuals to make during Homecoming 2014, honoring a gift from Larry (’63) and Donna Loflin (’63) a CPA who was an contributions from Crumbley, center, that made possible the accounting major an IRA directly to a room’s renovation. at Pfeiffer, earned nonprofit organization master’s and doctoral and not be regarded degrees from Louisiana as a charitable contribution. State University (LSU), has authored or Larry, who plans to retire at year’s end, has contributed to 55 published books with at found other ways to “give back” to Pfeiffer. least one more in the pipeline and is LSU’s Last summer, he provided the inspiration KPMG Endowed Professor of Accounting. “It provided opportunities to see the world and forensic accounting expertise for Pfeiffer’s first financial fraud conference, beyond North Carolina and set the stage a Charlotte-based event that attracted for continuing education.”
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An ongoing series of essays written by friends of Pfeiffer University who generously agree to share their reasons for joining the Emily Prudden Heritage Society
Music as the essence of an accomplished life by George Singleton ’69 The moment I stepped off the Trailways bus onto the Pfeiffer College campus in late August 1964, an experience that built a firm foundation for my professional life began. My eyes were wide open with dreams, hopes and aspirations, but at that moment I lacked focus and a course of action that would help me achieve and realize those dreams, hopes and aspirations. Following the wishes of my mother, I initially registered as an English major; however, very soon after my arrival on the Misenheimer campus, I met a man who helped me in immeasurable ways towards realizing my biggest dream. I wanted to SING! I auditioned with Dr. Richard H. Brewer for membership in the Pfeiffer College Concert Choir. After proving myself, I was accepted into the Concert Choir as well as the Freshman Choir, Aldersgate Choir and Choral Union Choir. During rehearsals, particularly with the Concert Choir, Dr. Brewer infused in me and others the love of singing, dedication to the art of singing and an unrelenting sense of responsibility to the music. After singing in the four choirs plus performing on stage with the Pfeiffer Playmakers and floundering as an English major, a friend, Jane Williams said, “You need to change your major to music!” I asked Dr. Brewer about changing my major and without pause for a breath he declared emphatically, “Yes!”
George Singleton, Silver Spring, Md., is an accomplished musician, educator and military professional. With the U.S. Air Force, he was one of 15 African-Americans chosen to fully integrate the Air Force Band. This led to further study of music at the University of Salzburg, Austria, where he performed the title role in Don Giovanni. An expert photographer and owner of Singleton Studios, he has served as president and chairman of the Maryland Professional Photographers Association. He is married to Pfeiffer College alumna, Jane Williams ’66.
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Though possessing great skills in the art of singing and able to sight-read music as well as a few, and better than most, when I began as a music major, because I had not formally studied music as a child, I didn’t understand music theory. One evening, soon after I changed my major, Dr. Brewer spent two hours with me explaining the fundamentals of music theory. From that point on, the light bulb was illuminated and the sky became my limit. Participation in the Concert Choir was beneficial to me, not only in a musical sense but also in a social sense. Following rehearsal, a group of us went to the dining hall to eat together. Through the passion of our music and camaraderie of meals, travel, performances, classes, exams and recitals, we became close friends. Indeed, we became lifelong friends. From the foundations of music training that I received at Pfeiffer College, I was a high school music teacher for three years, a member of the Lake Junaluska Singers and eventually became a member of the Official Chorus of the United States Air Force, The Singing Sergeants. Although I completed graduate studies in vocal performance at The American University in Washington, D.C., and further perfected my craft in singing at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, it was the foundation in music that I received at Pfeiffer, especially the two hours with Dr. Brewer, that helped open the doors of music to me. Though life took us on a circuitous route, I met my life partner, Jane Williams ‘66. Because of Pfeiffer’s exceptional foundation for my professional life and for being the place where I met Jane, I am honored to be a member of the Emily Prudden Heritage Society.
Emily Prudden Heritage Society – Planned Giving Newsletter / Fall 2014
Emily Pruden Heritage Society Charter Members - October 2014 Anonymous (7) Tomy Aldridge ’75 Joan Comer Allen ’64* Chuck and Kris Ambrose Roger (’81) and Sherry Foushee (’80) Armstrong Steve Barger ’73 Martin (’50) and Jo Ann Williams (’50) Barringer Susanna Baxter ’96 Jan Beaver Candler Bond Chris and Pat Bramlett Lee Warner Brasche ’85 Frank Browning Colletta Bryce ’86, ’07 MSL John Soud Caliste ’80 Griff (’65 Hon.) and Betty Campbell Peggy Friel (’67) Chilton James Cobb ’49 Vicki Coggins Dave (’64) and Gail Harrison (’65) Cotton Daisy Cotton ’68 (Hon.)* C.B. and Betty Crook Larry (’63) and Donna Loflin (’63) Crumbley Dan and Nancy Miller (’62) Culp Anne Black Daniel ’67 Joseph Daniels ’60 LeRoy (’71) and Dottie Kennard (’67) Davis Wayne (’70) and Sylvia Green (’69) Davis Lois Williams Dixon ’62 Jewell Everhart ’43 Brad Frazier ’93, ’04 MBA Debbie Frech ’81 Edith Matthews Fullenwider ’39 Ken (’67) and Doris Goodwin (’64) Goodson Phyllis Gore Houghton ’84 (Hon.)*
Edna Grady Roger Gramling ’71 Bill Grigg ’93 (Hon.) Thornton (’49) and Evelyn Diggs (’49) Hawkins Dawn Hedrick ’95 Nancy Henderson* Roger Holcombe ’70 Mahlon (’48) and Ava Caudle (’47) Honeycutt Frances Howie ’62 Greg Hunter (’10 Hon.) Anna Renger Hurst Lila Irby Moreland Irby* Chris Jackson ’80 Frank Jozsa Edward Kearns* Joe Kluttz ’60 Bear (’80 Hon.) and Eleanor Knotts John (’63) and Hilda Langley Mary Anne Laningham Cathie Layton ’76 Paul and Judy Leonard Mike Little ’62 Betty Coates Mar ’69 Jim (’46) and Doris Mauney Dave and Elaine McIlquham David (’76) and Joy Thornburg (’77) Melton Jean Mobley* Britt (’99) and Jo Ellen Eudy (’93, ’13) Newsome Lee Northcutt ’86 David Olive Phil Passanante ’81 Gene Pickler ’71 (Hon.) John (’75) and Cathy Thomas (’78) Potts Bill Quick ’52, ’72 (Hon.)
Bill Rinehart David Ritter ’76 Marshall and Cam (’94 Hon.) Rogers Herb Schneider ’69 Max (’64) and Carleen Seifert Cindy Reedy Serbin ’75 Carolyn Shinn George Singleton ’69 George Skomsky ’62 Richard Sloan ’54 David Smith ’70 Roger Spoon ’57 Al Starling* Gene Starnes Alda Stokes ’67 (Hon.)* Herman Stone ’64 Phil Stone ’59 Mildred Swicegood Terry Swicegood ’66 Jeff (’89) and Melissa Taylor J.C. Teeter ’62 Bob Tennant George (’65, ’90 Hon.) and Pat Thompson Willie Trexler ’38* Daly Ward ’77 Doug (’02 MCE) and Beverley Watts Wayne and Peggy Thomason (’49) Wegwart Tony West ’51 Tom West Ben (’68) and Carol Williams Jane Williams ’66 Thad Woodard ’68 * deceased
With gratitude to the EPHS charter members Pfeiffer University gratefully acknowledges the charter members of the Emily Prudden Heritage Society (EPHS). These special donors, whether they transitioned from Pfeiffer’s former planned giving association, The 1885 Society, or joined EPHS during the past year—lead a group projected to total 300 by 2016. Their gifts, most often realized upon a member’s death, help
Pfeiffer sustain a long history of academic excellence, expressed today through mentored and experiential learning within a United Methodist spirit and tradition. The members listed reflect those in Pfeiffer University’s records as of Oct. 13, 2014. If your name is missing or if you have included Pfeiffer in your estate plan
but haven’t yet informed us, please let us know so your intentions can be properly documented. For this purpose or to learn more about becoming a member of the Emily Prudden Heritage Society, contact John C.H. Lefler, philanthropic advisor, (800) 338-2060, john.lefler@pfeiffer.edu.
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Emily Prudden Heritage Society – Planned Giving Newsletter / Fall 2014
Crumbley
continued from page 1 nationally known speakers, drew accounting and taxation professionals from around the region and prompted several attendees to enroll in Pfeiffer’s newest graduate program in financial fraud investigations. He’s also advising Pfeiffer’s department of Accounting as executivein-residence. “After seeing so many friends and classmates at
Homecoming and hearing firsthand how their Pfeiffer experience made a positive difference in their lives, I encourage everyone to research the ways that best suit their individual situations so they can consider a planned or estate gift to Pfeiffer,” he said. “Together we can make The Nancy Henderson Interactive Technology Center a significant for Engaged Learning was utilized at the dedication of impact on our Crumbley Hall for the annual Met-My-Mate celebration alma mater.” at Homecoming. Larry and Ann Crumbley, who chaired
Why join the Emily Prudden Heritage Society? Are you familiar with planned giving but perhaps not its benefits? With some careful information sharing and planning, this type of gift is quite simple to understand and establish, making it possible to create a legacy in your will or trust, increase lifetime income for you and your spouse and pass on property to your heirs through a charitable plan. To learn more about the benefits of planned giving, contact John Lefler, philanthropic advisor, (800) 338-2060, john.lefler@pfeiffer.edu. Tools are also available online: http://pfeiffer.giftlegacy.com.
this year’s event, met with friends and other alumni who met their spouses at Pfeiffer.
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