Published on November 16, 2021 by Laura Lee Caum  
Philanthropy Day

Jeanna Westmoreland was honored by Alabama’s chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, receiving the Volunteer in Philanthropy Award for her work as executive director of Samford University’s Legacy League while she served as the university’s first lady. Westmoreland served in the role for 15 years (2006-2021), and now has a scholarship in her name, the Jeanna King Westmoreland Legacy League Scholarship.

In an email to the university, the Association of Fundraising Professionals wrote, “Jeanna Westmoreland’s passionate support of our mission inspires us each and every day, and we are thrilled to celebrate her compassion and dedication to our community at this year’s National Philanthropy Day event.”

Westmoreland received the award on Nov. 12.

“It is a humbling experience—a great honor to be recognized, but I believe it is symbolic of Samford’s appreciation of all of those who give of their time, talents and expertise,” Westmoreland said.

While serving as first lady, Westmoreland greatly impacted the Samford community, especially through her work with the Legacy League, which included increasing its endowment by $3 million and establishing 27 endowed scholarships.

“I have loved working side by side with other Samford Legacy League volunteers—planning and presenting a variety of programs and events, laughing and building relationships, all while raising money for scholarships for Samford students,” Westmoreland said. “It has always been particularly meaningful to meet and to get to know the student recipients of the scholarships and to see their Samford stories unfold.”

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.