An endowment fund for the Dewaine T. Bell Scholarship for Music or Education has been established at Gordon College. Bell's widow, Brenda, and his daughter, Christal, signed the gift agreement on March 24.
Once endowed, according to the wishes of Bell's family, the scholarship will be awarded to a graduate of the Lamar County School System that plans to major in music or education.
"Dewaine was my friend," said Gordon College president Lawrence Weill. "He was also a friend to Gordon College. He personally spoke to almost every parent who came to the campus for new student orientation. He enjoyed welcoming students and their families to Barnesville and he never missed an opportunity to promote the College. It pleases me to know that his name will be permanently connected to this place. Long after we are gone, this scholarship will do what Dewaine did so well -- make a difference in the life of a student."
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| Christal Bell signs the agreement that establishes a scholarship in her father's name. Looking on is Gordon President Lawrence Weill and Bell's mother, Brenda. |
Late last year a group of community members contacted the College about establishing a perpetual scholarship to honor Bell. Bell was a trustee of the Gordon College Foundation and was among the College's chief cheerleaders. Bob and Patti Wright made the first gift to the scholarship fund in March. The Wrights, Amanda Buice and Andy Bush, a trustee of the Gordon College Foundation Board of Directors, all spearheaded the effort to establish the scholarship at Gordon College.
An endowed scholarship is one in which the principal is protected and invested with only the interest earnings awarded. Establishing a scholarship this way allows it to continue into perpetuity. The Gordon College Foundation manages and awards more than 90 endowed scholarships. For a named scholarship, like this one, $25,000 is required.
"I am so elated that this is a kind of scholarship that will go on and on and isn't a one time deal," said Brenda Bell. "This is definitely something that he would be proud of. Education and Gordon College were in his heart."
Christal Bell echoed her mother's sentiments.
"This is what he was all about," she said. "He was all about helping people."
Anyone wishing to support the Scholarship can send a donation to the Dewaine T. Bell Scholarship for Music or Education, c/o Gordon College Foundation, Inc., 419 College Drive, Barnesville, Ga. 30204. All donations are tax deductible.
For more information on the Bell scholarship or other ways to donate, contact Rhonda Toon, vice president of advancement at 770-358-5124 or rhondat@gdn.edu