Lighting the Lamp of Education
Lucille Gilstrap West (50C) understood the power of education. In a career spanning more than 40 years, West excelled as a teacher in Georgia and Florida, winning Teacher of the Year honors in the Sunshine State. She also taught mathematics at the Berry Schools, where she was an assistant to the dean of women.
One of several family members to attend Berry, West showed appreciation for her undergraduate alma mater by achieving a life goal of establishing three different $100,000 scholarships. Though she passed away in October 2010, provisions in her estate — including an initial gift in excess of $420,000 — ensure that her impact on students will continue for many years to come.
"Gifts like this mean so much to Berry as they touch countless lives," said Bettyann O'Neill, vice president for advancement. "We will always remain grateful to Lucille for her everlasting generosity."
As one way of recognizing West's generosity and keeping her memory alive, the Reading Room in the math department of the Science Building will be named in her honor.
If you are interested in making provisions for Berry in your estate (or have already done so), please contact Helen Lansing, senior planned giving officer, at 877-461-0039 (toll free) or [email protected].
Click Here to review sample bequest language.
