Langley family spreading holiday cheer with education gifts William “Bill” Langley ’63 believes in the concept of education as a gift that keeps on giving.
Langley, a member of the college’s Dean’s Circle and a contributor to its Honor Roll, drew inspiration from his son-in-law, ESPN broadcaster Rece Davis. Years ago, when a charitable fund was set up to help defray the medical expenses of a co-worker’s son, Davis made donations in the names of Langley and his wife, Sharon.
His belief is so strong, in fact, that he used last Christmas to give the gift of educational opportunities to others. Langley “It occurred to me that this would be a wonderful way to honor our children as well, to make a donation to the made a donation to the College of Education in College of Education for scholarship purposes.’’ each of his children’s names. “The thought occurred to me that there are students who need money to complete their educations who are deserving [of support],’’ said Langley, a member of the College of Education National Advisory Council’s executive committee. “It occurred to me that this would be a wonderful way to honor our children as well, to make a donation to the College of Education for scholarship purposes. That’s what we did this past year and that’s something we will be doing [in the future],’’ Langley added. “We could help bring more scholarship money into the college and it would be of great help to those students who need it.’’
William “Bill’’ Langley ’63 Langley, a Columbus, Ga., entrepreneur who owns Sidewinder, Inc., said he and his family have made similar gestures each Christmas. “We don’t give gifts anymore,’’ he said. “We make a gift in their name to some charitable cause. [The College of Education] certainly serves the purpose of being a worthwhile cause.’’ The selflessness exhibited by Langley and so many other friends of the College of Education has made a difference in the lives of many students.
King ’50 believes in College of Education students Before he commanded a tank in the First Armored Division during the Korean War, Dr. Maxwell King ’50 commanded a classroom in his hometown of Fort Pierce, Fla. He did the job so well, in fact, that his students wouldn’t let him leave for his military training without a fight. “The kids went down to the local sheriff and said, ‘We don’t want Mr. King to leave, can you arrest him?’,’’ recalled King, who graduated from Auburn with a degree in general education. “That didn’t last but for about 15 minutes.’’ King’s ability to touch students has remained a constant, however. He committed himself to an academic career after his military service, earning a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Florida and completing postdoctoral studies at the University of Texas. His passion for learning led to a career in education administration as the founding president at Indian River (Fla.) Community College and as president of Brevard (Fla.) Community College. He served in the latter role for 30 years, retiring in 1998. No matter where he worked or in what capacity, however, King has lived The Auburn Creed. One of the ways he has chosen to demonstrate his belief in education and in the human touch is by investing in the College of Education’s students. He established the Dr. Maxwell C. King Annual Scholarship in 2006 to support students in the college’s teacher education programs. King said his motivations for creating scholarship opportunities were shaped long before he charted a career course that in-
cluded stints as a classroom teacher, coach, school principal and college president. “I believe in treating people right and I learned a lot of that at Auburn,’’ King said. Football brought King to Auburn and it kept him there even after he suffered a career-ending injury. Growing up in a family with modest means, King readily accepted a football scholarship offer from Auburn and got off to a fast start with the freshman team in 1946. During his first game, after being ridden to the turf following a long run, King sustained a broken collar bone. During his next season, he started off strong before suffering a knee injury that effectively ended his football career. King put down his helmet and picked up a new role, treating injuries rather than risking them. “The coaches kept me on scholarship and I worked as a trainer for the last two years,’’ King said. “They were real good to me. They didn’t have to keep me [on scholarship], but the coaches felt like I had something to offer and I needed the education. I’m sure that motivated me to always help people where I can.’’ King and his wife, Doris, have certainly been known for their willingness to give to others. A performing arts center in Melbourne, Fla., bears King’s name because of his tireless work devoted to bringing a fine arts center to the community.
A KEY S T ONE IN BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE F O R A L L
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