Giving Back Retro-Style

There are always people in need. Some need food, others a home or a job, and some need an education. The list goes on and on and yet there are fewer and fewer people with the means or the will to help. So this holiday season, I want to take you back to the year 1959 when Elvis, bomb shelters, and giving to others were cool.

Judy Elizabeth Kendle had just finished up her first year as a college student of Eastern Kentucky State College. A resident of Dayton, Kentucky, she was a decent student, maintaining a B average, actively involved in her hall council, and had aspirations of becoming a third grades school teacher. However, Judy's dream would be short lived unless she came up with the $300 for next year's tuition ($300??!! I know what you're thinking..but this is 1959, remember?) . Desperate for funding options, Judy appealed to the president of the institution, Mr. W.F. O'Donnell.

President O'Donnell listened intently to his students. Above all else, he wanted to insure their success, which would insure the college's success as well. So when Judy pleaded to continue her education, President O'Donnell went to work on an ingenious plan. He knew that Keeneland had offered a full four-year scholarship since 1956. However, he also knew that due to the loss of Keeneland's tax-exempt status, Keeneland would no longer provide new scholarships. But, as fortune would have it (well, Judy's good fortune), the young lady who had won the scholarship the previous year had dropped out of school. Therefore, President O'Donnell instructed Judy to write an essay about why she needed the scholarship and extended the offer to Miss Judy E. Kendle. Judy accepted and because of the generous donations and thoughtfulness of others, was able to continue her education.

So give back a little this holiday season. Giving just a little may cause a huge amount of change for another. It doesn't have to be a scholarship. Put a few more bucks in a donation jar. Do something nice for someone else. Flash a smile. In the long run, you may end up helping many many more than just that one person. You could change a life. =)

(p.s. Judy's original essay is still in the archives in box 387 of the Robert R. Martin Papers.)

EKU Alma Mater

EKU's Alma Mater written by Nancy Evans and arranged by Jane Campbell, music orchestra professor from 1926 to 1967, was first played at commencement in 1933. The following video clip is from the 1988 Spring Commencement. The lyrics follow.

Eastern Alma Mater

Hail to thee our Alma Mater,

Faithful guide of youth,

Holding high amid the darkness

Duty, light, and truth;

Still above, the skies attend thee,

Still thy stately columns stand,

Still thy sons and daughters love thee

Sing thy praises o’er the land.

All the earth’s resplendent beauty

Nature gathered here,

Rolling lawns and trees and grasses

On thy hillsides fair;

Happy days within thy shadow,

Friends and comrades we have won.

Fill our hearts with exaltation

For thy task so nobly done.

When beloved Alma Mater

Memory recalls

Other days of youth and laughter

In thy gracious halls;

When thy sons and daughters scattered

Turn again to thee,

Still thy lamp is brightly lighting

Us afar, that we may see.

Music by Jane Campbell

Words by Nancy Evans

John Grant Crabbe Library: Changing Spaces

The slide show that ran during the Noel Studio dedication Friday can be viewed online. Enjoy!

John Grant Crabbe Library