[439] MTSU’s third annual 1911 Society Luncheon honors long-term donors

Event recognizes committed gifts through estate plans

MURFREESBORO — MTSU again recognized supporters who have made long-term financial commitments to the university during the third annual 1911 Society Luncheon.

The 1911 Society, named in honor of MTSU’s founding year, celebrates individuals and families who have created gifts to the university through their estate plans.

As part of the luncheon, three students from throughout the university who have benefitted from scholarships provided through donor gifts thanked supporters and shared how the scholarships have helped them achieve their educational goals. Other scholarship recipients were recognized as well.

New 1911 Society members honored at the event included: Jerry and Nancy Allen; Gayle H. and Dwayne Duke; John and Bobbie Duke; Bella Higdon; Devin and Laura McClendon; and J. Howard and Janie Young. New members of the group receive a framed rendering of Kirksey Old Main.

Also celebrated were select members of the Signal Society, which honors annual donors who have supported the university in 20 or more years. This group is named for Middle Tennessee Normal School’s first newspaper/magazine, The Signal, which was originally published in 1912.

Those recognized at this year’s luncheon were Signal Society members who recently reached the 40-year plus milestone. The latest group included Edward and Sarah Barlow and Patrick and Delores Doyle. They received an engraved medallion reflecting their years of support.

Also recognized and presented with a special plaque were those who had reached the 50-year plus mark of support. That group included: John and Marilyn Hood; R. Norman and Barbara Martin; Charles and Nancy Pigg; and Ross and Eva Mae Spielman.

The luncheon was held Friday, April 17, at the MT Center inside the Sam Ingram Building on Middle Tennessee Boulevard.