2008-2009 Dean's Report - Cumberland School of Law - Samford ...

Introducing the Gilreath
We often measure commitment
and loyalty by attendance at events or amounts
contributed to causes. These are important
measures and as in years past, we will honor
alumni who have made significant financial
contributions to the law school. In addition, this
year, we are acknowledging “consistent” giving
through the creation of The Gilreath Society. Named
for one of Cumberland’s longest serving faculty
members who bridged both campuses, eligibility
is reserved for alumni who have contributed to
the law school for at least fifteen or more years
since graduation. There are over 400 alumni who
are founding members. We knew our alumni were
wonderful supporters of the law school and its
students, but the size of this group of “consistent”
supporters was a very pleasant surprise.
8
6 yea
Consistent, faithful, determined and dependable are
words used to describe someone who is committed
to a person, project, program or mission. One
alumnus stands out as representative of these
and any other number of synonyms associated
with sustained giving. John Bennett ’69 of
Orlando, Florida holds the honor of having given to
Cumberland more years than any other alumnus/a.
John has contributed thirty-six of the forty years
since his graduation.
Vice Dean Jim Lewis notes, “In my twenty-two
years at Cumberland, I cannot remember a single
year when John and Ann (MS ’68) have not been
on our list of donors. For years we received a check
each month. Once I asked John what was the
secret to his consistent giving. I have remembered
his response over the years. He said ‘I think it is
important to support Cumberland, so when I started
out, every month, when I sat down to write my
mortgage check, I wrote a check to Cumberland. It
was an easy way to remember.’”
Every gift to Cumberland is an important indicator
of confidence in what we are doing at Cumberland.
The faculty and staff work hard to make each
educational experience better than those before.
Consistency of support from all of those on the
Gilreath Society list, and the hundreds of others
who have given faithfully over the years, assures
our students have what they need to become
exceptional lawyers. Thank you all.
John Franklin Bennett ‘69