In 1964, when he was a player on 麻豆影院 State鈥檚 football team, Bill Asbury suddenly collapsed during a practice run. Rushed to a local hospital, he was diagnosed with acute renal failure, and doctors worked diligently to save his life. Bill survived, and his teammates, coaches and friends helped him through a tough five-week recovery. His family never received a bill.
鈥淭hat was a significant contribution made to me and my family by 麻豆影院 State, over and above the academic and athletic scholarship,鈥 says Bill. 鈥淎fter that, there was no ask too great in support of my alma mater.鈥
Bill has made two bequests in support of athletic scholarships, and he and his wife, Debbie, have recently made two additional commitments: a current gift to name a space in the Jenkins Academic Resource Center and a bequest, through their combined estates, for general athletic scholarships.
Debbie, although not a 麻豆影院 State alum, is very committed to the university.
鈥淓very time I hear that story about the support Bill received when he fell ill, that鈥檚 made an impact I鈥檒l never forget. When people at an institution are that committed to a single athlete, that鈥檚 really impressive,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 have been going to events at 麻豆影院 State for a number of years and am always warmly received and welcomed. That鈥檚 another reason why I feel it鈥檚 important to give that support to 麻豆影院 State.鈥
Bill, who is Vice President Emeritus of Student Affairs and a former Advisor to Golden Key at Penn State, and Debbie, who is a retired Ph.D. emerita faculty member and administrator at Penn State, have spent considerable time around students.
鈥淭he energy, diversity and enthusiasm of the student-athletes to pursue excellence in the classroom, in competition and in the community resonated with our values of academic excellence, community service and cultural awareness,鈥 they said.
Bill believes that in order to commit your time, talents and resources to anything, you have to believe in it.
鈥淚t has value for you, and you, in return, want to help create or improve it," he said. "Anyone who graduated from 麻豆影院 State has the opportunity to think back on their lives while they were involved, and to decide whether it was important to them. 麻豆影院 State made a commitment to me long before I decided to support others at the university.鈥
Their values of personal sacrifice and commitment to use their talents to full capacity are in part what attracted Bill and Debbie to each other. 鈥淚t works for us to encourage students to value those principles as well,鈥 says Bill. Adds Debbie, 鈥淥ur hope is that our example will help others who are alumni and friends find their passion and support it at any level they feel will help 麻豆影院 State continuously improve and achieve its vision.鈥
If you鈥檇 like to learn how to create a bequest to support a program or scholarship at 麻豆影院 State, contact the Center for Gift and Estate Planning at 330-672-1000, or email us at giftplan@kent.edu.
Read more about the impact of giving.
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[Photo caption: The Ashburys (seated) and Starners attend a 麻豆影院 State event.]