ISSUED: 1 May 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — The Shepherd University Foundation welcomed five new members into the Joseph P. McMurran Society at the organization’s annual dinner reception on April 21.
Hosted by Shepherd President Mary J.C. Hendrix and sponsored by the Foundation, the annual event brings together society members and their guests, along with faculty and administrators, to honor those who have chosen to share their lifelong financial achievements with the university through estate and other planned gifts.
Held in the atrium of Erma Ora Byrd Hall with its views of Shepherd’s East Campus, the event featured a four-course dinner prepared by Shepherd catering. During a brief program prior to the meal, Hendrix extolled society members as forward-thinking philanthropists.
“Because of your generosity, your legacy will live on through those who benefit from your charitable contributions,” she said. “With the generous and thoughtful investment of people like you, Shepherd’s future is bright.”
Foundation president Christopher S. Colbert then welcomed new members Gerald W. and Bonnie Broy Dodson, Lynn E. Leatherman, and Barbara K. and Richard S. Nickell into the Joseph P. McMurran Society. Each new member was presented with a commemorative gift featuring a framed medallion with personalized nameplate.
Following the program, guests were treated to a performance by Shepherd University music majors Heidi Macaluso on piano and Anthony Stoika on the vibraphone. Macaluso is majoring in piano pedagogy, while Stoika is pursuing a degree in music performance with an emphasis in jazz. Their six-minute duet was titled “Strawberry Therapy for Vibraphone and Piano.”
Recognized as the first president of Shepherd, Joseph McMurran set standards of academic excellence that required him to make personal financial sacrifices in order to keep the college open. McMurran began a tradition of philanthropy which is carried on today by society members.
If you are interested in learning more about establishing a planned gift through the Foundation, please contact Monica Lingenfelter, Shepherd University Foundation, at P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443-5000, 304-876-5397, or mlingenf@shepherd.edu, or visit www.shepherduniversityfoundation.org.
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