The print edition of the winter Achieve pays tribute to the many generous donors who help make William Jewell one of America 's best colleges. To protect the privacy of our donors, the complete Honor Roll lists do not appear on-line. But the following Donor Profiles reflect the spirit of giving of the college's alumni and friends.

Young alum believes in giving back to alma mater

As a recent graduate of William Jewell College , Nicole Adams '03 is just beginning a career in the non-profit world. Although her discretionary dollars are limited, Nicole still made giving back to her alma mater a personal priority.

“I was fortunate enough to receive scholarship money when I attended Jewell, and I want to provide that opportunity to current students,” says Nicole, a member of the Century I giving club at Jewell. “By giving to the Jewell Fund, I know my money is going where it is most needed as directed by the college.”

An organizational communication major who also received an American Humanics certificate in non-profit leadership, Nicole is now manager of individual gifts at the Heart of America United Way. She is also working on her master's degree in public administration with an emphasis in non-profits at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Nicole made giving to the college a priority because she values the education she received at Jewell.

“It provided an environment in which I was challenged, while at the same time allowing me to succeed through the relationships that I built with professors,” Nicole says. “Jewell also encouraged me to gain first-hand experience in the field in which I was interested through courses, internships and career mentors.”

Alum's life experience provides new perspective on alma mater

Like many Jewell alums, Chris Shultz '93 enjoyed a great student experience during his years on the Hill. After graduating in 1993 with a degree in chemistry, he enrolled at the University of Missouri-Kansas City's School of Dentistry . Upon graduation from dental school in 1997, Chris embarked on a successful practice and is now co-owner of Seaport Family Dentistry in Liberty .

“I had a wonderful experience as a student at Jewell,” Chris says. “But I failed to realize the importance of giving back after graduating. As I have become more involved as an alum, I better understand the impact of alumni giving, and we have made it a priority.”

Chris and his wife, Kristin, are members of the President's Club at Jewell. They live in Liberty with their four-year-old son, Jack.

“William Jewell, its faculty and staff, are committed to the growth of young people as students, individuals and leaders,” Chris says. “Alumni support and commitment to the college, at any level, is essential for this to continue. I know the college is working diligently to raise awareness among students, as well as alumni, of the importance of giving back to the college.”

Chris believes that his life was shaped by his experiences at Jewell both inside and outside the classroom.

“Of course, I value my Jewell education,” Chris says. “But equally important are the lifelong friendships I developed in the classroom, as an athlete, and in my fraternity.”

Consistent giving deepens ties to Jewell

For President's Club members Lynn '81 and Terry Baer, a longtime commitment to William Jewell is based on a deeply held belief in the strength of the college.

“We believe in tithing to worthy Christian organizations like William Jewell,” Lynn says. “We feel called to include William Jewell in our charitable giving. We also think that having our gift matched by Terry's company is important, because it doubles our donation.”

Lynn was a business administration major at Jewell. Terry, who graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in engineering, considers himself an “honorary Cardinal.” The Baers are raising two sons, Ben and John, ages 12 and 14. The couple hopes that their children will one day be Cardinals as well.

“When you study the liberal arts, you learn a little bit about everything,” says Lynn, who is a full-time mother and part-time purse designer. “It helps shape you and your values. Also, the extended Jewell family of alumni lets you continue your relationships and friendships long after college. They last a lifetime.”

Estate gift supports liberal arts

Charles W. Jones of the Jewell class of 1947 was a believer in the power of a liberal arts education.

The economics major who was active on campus as treasurer of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, as associate editor of The Student newspaper and as a member of the Chess Club passed away in July of 2003 following a long and successful career as a certified public accountant. The bulk of his six-figure estate provided an undesignated gift to his beloved alma mater.

“I am most grateful for the education I received,” Jones wrote to former President Gordon Kingsley to inform him of the planned estate gift. “The liberal arts education allowed me to pursue a successful business career, as well as enjoy many forms of activity which made life more rewarding. I appreciate the broad background that the courses gave me to appreciate many things instead of just one specialty. I could not leave these funds to a better institution, for I am a strong advocate of the liberal arts form of education.”

After graduating from William Jewell, Jones entered the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania , where he obtained an M.B.A. in 1949. He was a principal in his family's tax consulting business, M.R. Jones Sons of Prairie Village , Kansas .

Jones embraced the liberal arts concept of lifelong learning. In 1982, 35 years after graduating from Jewell, Jones received a B.A. in history from Avila College . He pursued a third college degree, he said, “for fun.”

A Civil War enthusiast, Jones accumulated a sizeable collection of books and photographs of President Abraham Lincoln. He was described by friends as an avid reader, traveler and historian. He was also an animal lover who had a special fondness for his canine companions.

Jones was a member of a Jewell legacy family. His father, Mason R. Jones, and twin brother, George T. Jones, were also Jewell graduates.