November 13, 2024
On Wednesday, November 6, East Texas Baptist University hosted its annual Legacy of 1912 Society Luncheon, welcoming ETBU retirees, Legacy of 1912 Society members, and endowed scholarship donors to campus.
The Legacy of 1912 Society is comprised of alumni and friends who, through thoughtful estate planning and other forms of planned giving, ensure that resources will be available to support ETBU far into the future.
"We thank you for your sacrificial investments and service into the life and legacy of East Texas Baptist University," President J. Blair Blackburn said. "You have given your hearts and resources to advancing God's vision for ETBU and providing these young people at the tables around you and among their fellow students on campus the opportunity and privilege to pursue God's calling on their lives through their educational pursuits."
During the celebratory luncheon, the Hilltop Singers performed for the guests, adding a joyful atmosphere. Miss ETBU, Molly Segrest, a junior majoring in Ministry and Mental Health, and ETBU Tiger Baseball player Ben Lea, a senior majoring in Business Administration, each shared heartfelt reflections on their ETBU experiences and the impact that scholarships have had on their academic journeys and personal growth.
Segrest highlighted the strong sense of community and faith that permeates the ETBU experience. "At ETBU, we're not just classmates; we're teammates, roommates, and brothers and sisters in Christ, all striving to live out God's calling on our lives," she said. "It is a rare and beautiful gift to be part of a University where faith is woven into the very fabric of education, and we are challenged not only to be leaders in this generation but servant leaders, just as Christ exemplified to us."
Echoing this sentiment, Lea spoke of ETBU's deep commitment to spiritual growth and the impact of his faith-centered education. "I'm grateful for a school that cares about my journey, but most definitely, I'm grateful for a school that cares about where my soul goes," he shared. "Because He lives, I can have a relationship with my Father, who's able to teach me and show me that he will fill me with everything that I need to make the most of this moment."
Vice President for Advancement and Administrative Affairs Scott Bryant delivered a charge to attendees, highlighting the profound impact of their generosity. He emphasized that each gift given to the University provides more than just financial support; it creates lasting opportunities for students, transforms lives, and positively influences their families and communities. Bryant shared stories of students whose journeys have been made possible by such gifts, underscoring how donor contributions empower the University to uphold its mission and invest in future generations. His message reminded attendees that their support shapes the University's legacy, leaving a meaningful imprint on countless lives.
"I think my love for history is one of the reasons I enjoy working at a university with such a rich history because when we connect with ETBU—whether as a student, an employee, or a supporter of the institution—we become part of what God is doing in this place," Bryant said. "Your investment in ETBU students is making an impact as they graduate and become Christian servant leaders in whatever field God calls them to serve. You're part of the ETBU story, the people God is using to make an impact in the lives of our students."