Learn about a Society
Pillars of ETBU
Pillars of ETBU is a monthly giving program. Members make a difference every single month.
In the same way that the pillars provide strength and support to the various buildings on campus, members of the Pillars of ETBU bolster and fortify the Christ-centered mission and ongoing work of the University through monthly giving. Pillars can be found on numerous buildings across the ETBU campus, including Marshall Hall, Craig Hall, H.D. Bruce Hall, Feagin Hall, Centennial Hall, Murphy Science, Jarrett Library, and the Bennett Student Commons. East Texas Baptist University’s monthly giving program allows your gift to be deducted monthly from your debit card, credit card, or drafted from your bank account. ETBU will process this secure transaction at the beginning of each month. At the end of the year, you’ll receive a single summary of your contributions, including a tax receipt.
Why become a Pillar of ETBU?
- Consistent monthly gifts sustain and advance the University’s ongoing mission-centered work.
- Monthly giving is a great way to create a significant impact, as monthly gifts add up to substantial contributions over time.
- Once you set up a monthly gift, it will automatically repeat each month, providing a convenient way to spread your contribution over time.
- Support what’s important to you, on a schedule that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
- Becoming a Pillar of ETBU makes giving easier and convenient.
- As an alumnus or friend, an ongoing commitment ensures that no matter how much else is changing in your life, your commitment to ETBU always remains strong.
If you have any questions, please contact Scott Bryant, Ph.D., at 903.923.2069 or by email at sbryant@etbu.edu.
Legacy of 1912 Society
The Legacy of 1912 Society comprises alumni and friends who, through thoughtful estate planning, deferred giving, and other forms of planned giving, ensure that resources will be available to support ETBU far into the future. The Legacy of 1912 Society’s name honors the year the charter was signed, establishing a Christian college in Marshall, Texas, and was initiated in 2012 to recognize 100 years of providing exemplary Christian higher education. Even as our Centennial celebrations have highlighted our rich heritage, the Legacy of 1912 Society gives tangible expression to the desire for the legacy to endure indefinitely.
The impact of planned gifts on the history and future of East Texas Baptist University is immeasurable. Planned gifts include wills, annuities, trusts, and insurance policies. These gifts have established scholarship endowments and funded new and improved facilities, among other potential benefits. The impact of your planned gift, which qualifies you for membership in the Legacy of 1912 Society, will last forever and benefit generations of students, where the light on the hill never dies.
Membership in the Legacy of 1912 Society is a prestigious honor. To become a member, please inform us that you have included ETBU in your estate planning and/or designate ETBU as a beneficiary of one of the many types of planned giving options.
As a distinguished member of the Legacy of 1912 Society, you will be invited to participate in our annual Legacy of 1912 Society event that is held on the ETBU campus in the spring of each year. You will also receive gift-planning communications featuring information about investments, tax and estate planning, and ETBU news.
If you would like to receive more information about joining the Legacy of 1912 Society or to address questions concerning planned giving options, please contact Scott Bryant, Ph.D., at 903.923.2069 or by email at sbryant@etbu.edu.
Read Dr. James Best's ('55) Story about Legacy Giving
DR. JAMES BEST CLASS OF 1955
“I had no way of attending college and seminary without working part-time and receiving scholarship assistance.”
Dr. James Best (’55) is grateful for his experience as a student at East Texas Baptist College. As a student who benefited from scholarship support at ETBC, he wants to help future generations of ETBU students have the same opportunity for success. “Bobbie and I learned early in ministry the importance of stewardship and the educational scholarships provided by the Cooperative Program to ETBC.”
James, a native of Woodville, Texas, married his high school sweetheart, Bobbie, who also attended ETBC. The education and encouragement James received during his time on the Hill prepared him for his career in ministry. James served as a pastor of churches in Texas, Alabama, and Oregon for more than 40 years. Following his time as pastor, James served for seven years as the Director of Missions at the Pine Barren Baptist Association in Alabama.
When James reflects on his life, he acknowledges how God used his time at ETBC to shape his faith and prepare him for his career. Before Bobbie died in 2013, James and Bobbie decided to include ETBU in their planned giving. “In my ministry, I learned the value of ‘giving it twice’ through estate planning.”
In addition to their planned gift, James and Bobbie have faithfully supported the institution through annual gifts for 25 consecutive years. “Starting with a small amount and giving, as blessed and able, we established two scholarships at ETBU that will assist other Tigers for eternity.”
A Message From the Vice President for Executive Affairs
Greetings from East Texas Baptist University! Throughout the institution’s history, many faithful donors who gave consistently during their lifetimes have added to their legacy of support by including ETBU in their planned giving. Planned giving helps ensure ETBU’s success for future generations.
Some of the most impactful gifts to the institution have been estate gifts that were wisely planned years ago. Estate gifts have established endowed scholarships, contributed to capital campaigns, supported specific academic programs, and provided unrestricted support for the institution. Regardless of the area of support, estate gifts always have a significant impact.
Individuals and couples who inform the University about their decision to make an estate gift to the institution are recognized and honored as members of the Legacy of 1912 Society. The institution was founded in 1912, and gifts made through planned giving are truly foundational to the mission and ministry of East Texas Baptist University.
All of our planned giving donors are members of the Legacy of 1912 Society and are recognized at our annual Legacy of 1912 Society luncheon on campus. The names of Legacy of 1912 Society members are prominently displayed on a donor wall located in the foyer of the Rogers Spiritual Life Center so that future generations of Tigers will know the names of those who made a significant impact on ETBU through their generosity.
Suppose you have already decided to include a gift to East Texas Baptist University in your estate. Would you please let us know so that we can personally thank you and acknowledge your support? If you haven’t yet made plans for your estate, would you prayerfully consider making a planned legacy gift to East Texas Baptist University in your estate planning?
If you would like to learn more or have questions about the Legacy of 1912 Society, please get in touch with me, Scott Bryant, Ph.D., directly at 903.923.2069 or sbryant@etbu.edu. I am thankful for your impact as a member of the ETBU Family.
Tell Us About Your Gift
Please let us know if you’ve already included a gift for East Texas Baptist University. Providing us with documentation is the best way to ensure that your gift is used in the way you intend.
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