Your Giving Matters By Brian Boyle
When you give to the University of Mobile, you support UM’s unique Christ-centered college experience that changes lives today and for generations to come. Large or small, each gift goes toward the scholarships, programs and facilities that help students prepare to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Your investment pays off in the thousands of UM alumni who serve Christ in a variety of ways throughout the world. Here are just a few ways your donations to the University of Mobile have made an impact recently.
Scholarship Banquet with Archie Manning The 15th annual University of Mobile Scholarship Banquet with football legend Archie Manning was a huge success, raising more than $100,000 for scholarships.
“Faith should be the most important thing in your life, and line up your priorities after that,” Manning told nearly 700 UM supporters gathered at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in downtown Mobile on Oct. 26, 2021. The event was emceed by former Miss University of Mobile Chelsey Sayasane Sklopan ’19, WALA Fox10TV Studio 10 co-host. Planning is underway for the 2022 Scholarship Banquet this fall. Details will be posted soon at umobile.edu/ banquet. For early notice of sponsorship opportunities, contact the Advancement Office at 251.442.2913 or advancement@umobile.edu.
Bedsole Sports Performance Dedication
The new J.L. Bedsole Sports Performance Center opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 9, 2021. The 4,000-square-foot strength and conditioning facility for nearly 450 student athetes is located between the Gerald Wallace Sr. Tennis Complex and H. Austill Pharr Gym. It features iPads with TeamBuildr online strength and conditioning software that allows athletes and coaches to program workouts and track progress. It was funded by gifts and grants, including a major gift from the J.L. Bedsole Foundation established by the estate of UM’s first Board of Trustees chairman, J.L. Bedsole.
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“The Lord blessed Mr. J.L. Bedsole with a keen sense of business and blessed him with success. May we all take his example to heart of giving back to not just one generation, but to future generations,” said Fred Wilson, closing out his term as UM Board of Trustees chairman. Retired banking executive Terry Harbin currently serves as trustee chairman.
Missionary House Renovated
A major Diamond Anniversary renovation project in 2021 transformed “The Missionary House” in celebration of the university’s Alabama Baptist/Southern Baptist connections. Located a block from campus in the College Woods subdivision, the 1,754-square-foot three-bedroom home was established in 1977 to provide a temporary home for Southern Baptist missionaries on furlough. Today, it is a beautiful and peaceful place of rest for missionaries who are answering the call to share the Gospel throughout the world.Visitors to the missionary home stay from three months to a year. The University of Mobile covers all rent and accommodations. Thanks to UM supporters, missionaries may rest and rejuvenate in an up-to-date, comfortable home before heading back into the field. TorchLight Extra! Check out the Missionary House Video Tour
