Why We Give

Keith and Vickie (Richardson) Sharber

With Katherine Rutherman

"We firmly believe our financial support yields incredible returns, not just for our community, but for the lives of the students who attend."

Tell us about your lives and careers. Vickie: "I am an Owensboro native. I retired from Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in February 2021 after nearly 47 years of service as a pharmacy technician." Keith: "As the son of a United Methodist minister, I lived in six different south central and western Kentucky communities before graduating from high school, after which I pursued a full-time career in radio broadcasting; three years as a disc jockey and then 11 years as a broadcast journalist. I moved to Owensboro in early 1979 as a broadcast journalist for WOMI/WBKR radio and was later promoted to news director. In early 1987, I left the full-time broadcasting industry to accept the sales manager position with Canteen Service Company of Owensboro, Inc. I spent 34 years with the food service management company, the last 10 years as an owner/partner. The company was sold at the end of 2020, and I have transitioned into partial retirement. "We are the proud parents of two children, Nicole and Mitch, and have two grandsons." Why are you involved at KWC? Keith: "Our first attraction to KWC is by virtue of us both being lifelong United Methodists. We are members at Settle Memorial United Methodist Church in Owensboro, and we are both extraordinarily proud to call Owensboro home. The beautiful campus, its national reputation as a great liberal arts higher education institution and, of course, the championship Panther basketball tradition are all additional motivators for our adoration of KWC.

"Owensboro entrepreneur Jack T. Wells '77 was a friend of mine for over 30 years and a business partner with Canteen Service Company and John Conti Coffee Company for 10 years. It was my deepening friendship with, and respect for, Jack that resulted in us looking at the College beyond its beauty, reputation and basketball prowess. I witnessed firsthand Jack's unwavering love for and devotion to KWC and the enormous pride he had for his hometown of Owensboro. Jack was a very powerful example to me that with success in life comes an obligation to also assist, prepare and empower others for success, especially our youth." What does your relationship to the College mean to you? Keith: "Our relationship with Kentucky Wesleyan College is a tremendous source of pride. We love sporting Kentucky Wesleyan license plates on two vehicles. I especially love, while traveling, to engage in conversation with strangers who comment on the KWC license plates. I see it as a great opportunity to brag about Kentucky Wesleyan College and the city of Owensboro." Vickie: "Being fans of Panther basketball is a special part of our relationship with KWC. We have been season ticket holders for 38 years, and 10 years ago, Keith was honored to be asked to serve as the public address announcer for both Kentucky Wesleyan women's and men's games." Why is KWC important to the city and region? Keith: "Beyond the obvious economic impact, there is considerable pride and prestige for the city of Owensboro. While thousands of KWC graduates have gone on to take their talents across the nation and even around the world, there are many who have fallen in love with the Owensboro community and put their roots down to launch careers, raise families and become contributors to our amazing quality of life. "Simply put, KWC and its students make Owensboro an even better community! It has been said that Kentucky Wesleyan is not just a college in Owensboro; it is a college for Owensboro!" Why do you give to KWC? Keith: "Who doesn't love a great return or dividend on their investments?

We firmly believe our financial support yields incredible returns, not just for our community, but for the lives of the students who attend."

Why do you encourage others to give? Keith: "To borrow again from the example that Jack T. Wells instilled in me, 'Success in life comes with an obligation to assist, prepare and empower others for success.' There is no better way to do this than with an ongoing investment commitment to the College. We hope readers will join us in seeing the returns and dividends these investments will bring!"