The Joy of Endowing a University Scholarship: A Legacy of Empowerment

The Fall semester is underway, and campus life booming. This week, I have been reflecting upon the unparalleled thrill of watching the students who benefit from the gift of an endowed scholarship seize the opportunities that enable them to pursue their dreams. This profound sense of fulfillment is especially true when that support is given to a program you hold dear that shaped your journey and opened doors for you. Endowing a university scholarship is a deeply personal and rewarding experience that extends far beyond the immediate impact of financial support.

For me, it was creating the Coy Albert Stout, II Endowed Scholarship in Social Work , which helps University of Alabama students participating in the School of Social Work’s Washington, DC program. This program created a foundation for my career that evolved into a robust macro practice journey. I later expanded my commitment to supporting students through expanded scholarship and faculty positions through planned giving as part of the Denny Society . Contributing to the scholarship funds of the University of Alabama LGBTQ Alumni Association has been another way I have sought to support scholarships at Alabama.

When you endow a scholarship, you’re investing in the future of students who, much like you once did, aspire to reach new heights through their education. It’s a chance to pass on the gift of learning and provide the financial support to make all the difference in their academic journey. For those who have found inspiration and success in their own academic pursuits, this act becomes a way of giving back and ensuring that others have the same chance to thrive. In my experience, this was surprisingly easy, funding the endowment over time. You don’t have to be a massive initial contribution. You may even choose to collaborate with fellow friends and alumni to group-fund a scholarship you feel passionate about.

More recently, I have been serving on the Rising Tide Campaign committee for the School of Social Work. At the University of Alabama, the Rising Tide Campaign offers a compelling opportunity to be part of the transformative experience of securing the future for students. The campaign enhances the university’s ability to support its students, faculty, and programs through targeted investments. By contributing to this campaign, you can help fund scholarships that will relieve financial burdens and enable students to immerse themselves fully in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.

The Rising Tide Campaign emphasizes providing students with the necessary resources to excel. Whether you are passionate about supporting future social workers , engineers, artists, or leaders, your gift can be directed to a program or area that resonates with your own experiences. Imagine the joy of knowing that your contribution is helping students follow in your footsteps, perhaps even in the very field you once studied.

For those considering a more profound and lasting impact, the University of Alabama’s Denny Society offers a pathway through planned giving. This approach allows you to leave a legacy that extends beyond your lifetime, ensuring that your support for education continues to make a difference long into the future. Planned gifts can be structured in various ways, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, or trusts, all of which can be tailored to fit your financial and personal goals.

Joining the Denny Society not only provides you with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve contributed to the university’s mission but also connects you with a community of dedicated supporters who share your commitment to fostering educational excellence. It’s a way to leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values and priorities, providing a continuous stream of support to students who will benefit from your foresight and generosity.

Endowing a scholarship or making a planned gift through the University of Alabama is more than just an act of philanthropy; it’s an investment in the potential of future generations. It’s about creating opportunities for students to achieve their dreams, much as you were able to in your own academic career. The gratitude and success of these students will stand as a testament to the impact of your contribution, making it one of the most rewarding experiences you can imagine. If, like me, you are a graduate or supporter of the University of Alabama, I would encourage you to reach out to your favorite program through the Rising Tide link I shared in this article. If your passion is for another institution, I would encourage anyone to reach out to your own alma mater to start a conversation.