Samford University dedicated a new green space on central campus in honor of longtime philanthropic supporters Frank and Marti Buck.
The new Frank and Marti Buck Plaza will connect the University Center, Pittman Hall and the newly unveiled Gaston and Mann Halls. The space features a walkway lined with historic plaques of significant university milestones.
The Bucks met at a Samford basketball game in 1974, while Frank was attending Cumberland School of Law and Marti studied nursing.
“In a moment surely worthy of a Hallmark movie, Frank was at a Bulldog basketball game when a Samford nursing student named Marti Flynn caught his eye,” said Samford President Beck A. Taylor. “The flame that was kindled at that ballgame has endured for more than 50 years.”
Frank Buck spoke of earning his undergraduate degree at Michigan State and applying to Cumberland before visiting Samford’s campus.
“When I came down here 53 years ago, never in a million years did I think that I would be here being honored by my alma mater,” Buck said. “Samford has been so good to me. It brought me a wife, most importantly, and I also got a law degree. It's a wonderful Christian campus, and I give praise to the Lord for everything that's happened in my life.”
In 2017, the Bucks began supporting the Bulldogs basketball program as donors. Their love for the sport has grown over the years, coinciding with Samford’s rise in the Southern Conference.
Recently, the Bucks made another significant gift to Samford, establishing the Marti and Kerri Buck Scholarship in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing. The scholarship provides critical funding for university initiatives in educating nursing students. This effort, along with the Bucks’ generosity towards athletics and Cumberland School of Law, provides programs across the university with a strong foundation for excellence.
The Bucks have three daughters—Rachel, Ashley, and Kerri. Rachel followed in her father’s footsteps and became a lawyer. Ashley graduated with honors from Samford in 2006 and is also a lawyer. Kerri graduated from Samford in 2006 with a degree in nursing.
Caleb John, Samford’s student government president, called the Bucks' story inspiring. “Two young people who came to Samford to pursue higher education met and formed a deep, lasting relationship, going on to form a wonderful family and live lives of significance and service—and all the while remembering this community,” he said. “In only a few short weeks, students have come to love this place.”
The creation of this additional outdoor space for students reinforces Samford’s identity as one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The plaza is the latest space dedicated from the first phase of the university’s master plan, Samford Horizons, adding amenities to serve a record-breaking enrollment that reached 6,324 students this semester.
“Above all, this is a place for students,” said Karon Bowdre, chair of the Samford University Board of Trustees. “I understand this plaza has already become a hub of joyful activity—especially in the evenings.”
