By Chad Jolly ’94, Ph.D.

I recently heard it said that the “true joy in life is to plant trees under whose shade you will never sit.” I am pleased to share that in recent months a few “mighty oaks” were planted on the Campus of Achievement. Seeds born of personal experience and a faith in a place that has been changing lives and the world for over 156 years. Allow me to honor a few Alexander Doniphan Heritage Society members whose recent estate gifts will leave an indelible mark on the student experience.

The Honorable Manilus Thomas Hancock ’17 and Mrs. Anna May Hancock, Pueblo, Colorado

The recent $3.2 million testamentary gift of Mrs. Hancock was the second-largest estate gift in the history of the college. Mrs. Hancock was a 1918 graduate of Liberty High School and married Judge Hancock two years after his graduation from William Jewell College. During his time at Jewell, Judge Hancock was active in the Square and Compass Club (President); the Scientific Club; the Kansas City Club; Class Basketball; an assistant in Chemistry; and Gelasimus Pugnax (which is Latin for “Fighting Fiddler Crab”). Mr. Hancock served as a judge in Colorado for many years.

Dr. Wallace Greene ’28 and Mrs. Edna Greene, Richmond, Missouri

The recent testamentary gift of $3 million from the combined estates of Dr. and Mrs. Greene represents the third-largest testamentary gift in the history of the college. Dr. and Mrs. Greene were married for 30 years and were loyal supporters of the College. Dr. Greene practiced as a surgeon at St. Luke’s Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital in Kansas City. The Greene Training Room in Jewell’s Mabee Center is named after Dr. Greene and his father, Luther D. Greene, an 1889 graduate of William Jewell. Luther Greene was also the principal donor to the college’s football stadium, which was built in 1955 and named in his honor.

Ms. Mary Rogers and Ms. Myrtle Gross, Macon, Missouri

Mary Rogers was left the estate of her sister, Myrtle Gross, to ensure her good care. However, it was stated that upon Ms. Rogers’s death, the remainder of the Gross estate would go to William Jewell. Neither attended Jewell, though a note in a file expresses their reason for giving the $869,000 estate gift. The note reads, “We have always had an interest in William Jewell. When we were growing up most of our pastors were students from the college.” A separate note encourages the college to continue to produce graduates who will change lives and shape the world.

If you were acquainted with these friends and benefactors, we hope you will share your personal anecdotes and stories of their lives. The college will establish a permanent tribute to their generosity in the coming months.

Was it a cherished memory of the past or their hope for our future that motivated their generosity? I like to think that it may have been a little of both. What if all who felt similarly joined the Alexander Doniphan Heritage Society by including Jewell in their estate plans?

If you are creating or revising your estate plan and want to leave a legacy at WJC, we are here to assist you with ideas, resources, and referrals to professional advisors. Or go to our web site (www.jewell.edu) and click “Planned Giving” on the “Supporting Jewell” menu of the Alumni webpage.