Southern-Spring 2015

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PHILANTHROPY
Alumni Plaza:
a new campus
landmark dedicated
As part of the inaugural Spring Alumni
Weekend, the Alumni Plaza just outside
the Norton Campus Center was dedicated
to Clay C. Long ’58, a long-time supporter
of Birmingham-Southern.
Long, a founding partner and former
co-chair of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
in Atlanta, currently serves on the BSC
Board of Trustees. He was recognized as a
Distinguished Alumnus by the college in
1999.
“Mr. Long has a deep and abiding love
for the college, rooted in his belief that
BSC truly changed the direction of his life
for the better,” said Charles Vinson II, vice president of institutional advancement. “He has certainly demonstrated
his affection through generous gifts, but he’s also generously given his work and wisdom. We wanted to honor his
generosity by dedicating the Alumni Plaza in his name.”
Parents play a key role
in supporting BSC
More than two decades ago, a group of BSC parents
stepped up to form the Parents Fund, an annual drive for
unrestricted gifts from the families of current students.
Today, the fund is stronger than ever. This year’s campaign
has set a goal of $200,000 and 100 percent participation—
and it’s more than halfway to that goal. The funds raised
will support scholarships that allow the next generation of
students to choose Birmingham-Southern; they also help
with faculty salaries, the Academic Resource Center, health
services, library acquisitions, and more.
“It is vital for a college like BSC to provide valuable,
decision-changing scholarships for prospective students,” said
Chad Wachter ’87, who, along with his wife, Sonya Thomas
Wachter ’86, is co-chair of the 2015 Parents Fund (their
daughter, Mary Stewart Wachter, is a sophomore). “As current
parents and alums ourselves, we know just how life-changing
this place continues to be.”
Fund organizers are looking for gifts, but they’re also
looking for leaders to help reach out to other parents via peer-
to-peer fundraising, social media, and regional networking
events. If you’d like to give or help, contact Bobby Watson at
(205) 226-4908 or email .
Show your colors
Did you know that buying a Birmingham-
Southern College license plate helps fund
scholarships to deserving students? Collegiate
car tags also spread awareness of the college every
time you hit the road. So display your car tag with
Panther pride, and consider purchasing one next
time you renew if you haven’t already!