Four Generations Deep: An Immeasurable Legacy

The Wilhite family shares their Beacon stories: current student Matthew, his mother Kari (Rose) ’93, grandfather Bryan ’62, grandmother Sharon (Morrison) ’62, uncle Lee ’91, and father Steve ’93.

The Wilhite family enjoys a long legacy as Beacons, carrying the torch through many churches, serving as leaders equipped to answer God’s call on their lives. Extending through four generations, six alumni, and now one undergraduate student, the Wilhite family continues their heritage at Bushnell University.

Matthew Wilhite is a freshman this year at Bushnell. While Matthew’s decision to be a Beacon was of his own accord, it was significantly impacted by the long-standing positive reputation that Bushnell holds as a tight-knit, Christ-centered community. He decided to attend after hearing Corynn Gilbert, Director of Development, talk about the integration of Christian faith and learning on campus. “Even though I had heard numerous stories from my parents and grandparents about how amazing their time was there, it was at that moment I knew Bushnell was where I could learn and grow in my faith,” Matthew recalls.

Matthew knew that his grandparents, parents, and uncle had attended the University. But he only recently learned that his great-grandfather, Lee Maxell, also attended in the late 1920s. “Turns out my dad’s grandpa, my great-grandpa, attended for a little while and then influenced my grandpa to attend. It is so cool to see how my family’s legacy keeps growing at Bushnell.” Matthew’s grandparents, Bryan Wilhite ’62 and Sharon (Morrison) Wilhite ’62, met and got married during their time as undergraduates. Matthew’s parents, Steven Wilhite ’92 and Kari (Rose) Wilhite ’93, also met on campus and got married shortly after completing their bachelor’s degrees. Matthew’s uncle, Lee Wilhite ’91 serves Christian higher education as the Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communication at Biola University.

Over the years, Matthew has heard many endearing stories from his parents and grandparents about their college days. However, Matthew did his own research when he arrived on campus this past fall. He spent ample time in the Kellenberger Library combing through yearbooks of various family members and found several pictures. He learned more about his family legacy there than he did from all the stories they shared with him.

Over the years, Matthew has heard many endearing stories from his parents and grandparents about their college days. However, Matthew did his own research when he arrived on campus this past fall. He spent ample time in the Kellenberger Library combing through yearbooks of various

As Matthew reflects on his first few months in Eugene, he could not be happier with his choice to attend Bushnell University and he looks forward to the next three years. “The first semester exceeded my expectations,” says Matthew. He has been involved in a small group led by two upperclassmen, is having a lot of fun, and is already developing life-long friendships. He also likes participating in night chapels and Beacon Nights. Matthew observes, “Students come together on their own to learn and to grow.”

Matthew is unsure whether he will follow the family path into pastoral ministry, but plans to minor in Bible and theology. However, as he discerns his own calling and long-term career goals throughout his time at Bushnell, he knows journeying alongside people and being involved in discipleship will be part of his calling.

Throughout our entire history, Bushnell University has transformed lives by fostering wisdom, faith, and service through excellent academic programs within a Christ-centered community. With a strong mission and vision, the Wilhite family is one shining example of the impact that Christian higher education has on family lineage. Matthew, like his parents and grandparents, is finding his place in the Bushnell story.

Bushnell has transformed and is transforming lives one student at a time. To honor family legacies and commitments to higher education at Bushnell University, students who have had a parent or grandparent attend Bushnell are awarded a $1,500 scholarship. To learn more or to find out if you or someone you know is eligible for this scholarship, please contact finaid@bushnell.edu.

Sharon (Morrison) Wilhite ’62

Bryan Wilhite ’62