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 fulfi ll 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 Offi ce 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 fi rst Board of Trustees chairman, J.L. Bedsole. “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 fi eld.

TorchLight Extra! Check out the Missionary House Video Tour

Missionary House | Photo by Rovy Lopez

Scholarship Banquet | Photo by Christian Hilley Bedsole Performance Center | Photo by Heath Vester

Ways to Give

It’s easy to make an impact at the University of Mobile. Give online umobile.edu/giving | Email advancement@umobile.edu | Call 251.442.2913

Great Commission Annual Fund

Meets the most essential needs of the university, improving the student experience across all programs.

Charitable Estate Giving

Includes bequests, life income gifts, asset protection, retirement plans, estate notes, etc.

Legacy Giving

Establishes a timeless fund that directly supports UM students, recognizing a loved one or someone who has made a signifi cant diff erence in your life.

DR. BRUCE EARNEST

Vice President for Advancement

Center for Performing Arts

Supports the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts and Alabama School of the Arts.

Athletics

Supports UM Rams athletic programs.

Volunteer

Off er your time and talents to strengthen your connection to UM and further the University of Mobile mission.

TorchLight Extra! Learn why giving matters