On September 24, over 300 members and supporters of Samford University’s Legacy League gathered at The Club in Birmingham for the organization’s annual Fall Luncheon, celebrating a year of generosity and the ways hope continues to shape the lives of Samford students.
The luncheon marked the beginning of Legacy League’s second century of ministry and centered on the theme “Abounding in Hope,” from Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Executive director Julie Taylor said the event offered an opportunity to celebrate Legacy League’s mission of serving students through scholarships while bringing together the community that makes that work possible.
“I think for us, beginning the year with a sense of hope for not only remembering what God has done for a century of work, but then what he has ahead of us,” Taylor said.
“Today is really an opportunity to elevate the work that we do, and to share some of the good news about students who have come through Samford on a Legacy League scholarship, and how that life-transformative education happens at Samford,” Taylor said.
Taylor also emphasized that Legacy League’s work extends beyond financial support.
“This community comes together in big and small ways,” she said. “Some are donors or volunteers; some are prayer warriors. But God uses it all.”
Taylor presented the Lolla Wurtele Wright Award to Paula Gossett, a former Legacy League president, in recognition of her service to the organization. Taylor also shared that Legacy League is providing more than $465,000 in scholarships to 27 Samford students this year.
“Christian hope is more than optimism but is a gift we receive and have the privilege of sharing with others,” Taylor said. “We are able to do that through Legacy League.”
One of those former scholarship recipients, Malija Goggins ’24, current third-year student at Cumberland School of Law, shared how a Legacy League scholarship helped her attend Samford after significant challenges in her family left her uncertain about how she would afford college.
“Keep doing it. Keep being vessels for God’s good work,” Goggins encouraged the audience. “Keep helping others through it.”
Legacy League plans to “keep helping others through it” through the generosity of its members, supporters and the community. Managing director Sharon Smith shared that a dozen new scholarships were created during the organization’s centennial celebration last year.
She announced Patti Donaldson Life of Service Legacy League Scholarship, created by the Donaldson family to honor and continue Patti’s life of service. Patti '49 and her husband, Frank '47, a longtime Cumberland School of Law professor, met at Howard College and were involved in the university for nearly 80 years. Patti was a dedicated Legacy League member for decades, serving as president and later receiving the Lolla Wright Award in 2012. Two of the Donaldsons’ four children, Sharon Donaldson Stuart ’87, JD '90 and David Donaldson, were in attendance.
Keynote speaker Kelley Brown, MATS '08, writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries and women’s ministry director at Mountain Brook Community Church, challenged attendees to consider how they can extend hope by simply making others feel seen, heard and valued.
“A scholarship has a dollar amount attached to it,” Brown said. “But that dollar amount represents something more personal. It represents the fact that a person or a group of people thought that a student's future was worth investing in.”
Brown called those who recognize and encourage the potential in others “illuminators,” sharing stories of mentors who helped her recognize gifts she had not yet seen in herself.
She also emphasized that creating a legacy does not always require a large initiative.
“What’s so impressive about being here and hearing all the stories is that there are big scholarships presented, but it’s also everyone who is in the details,” Brown said. “It’s the little interpersonal moments, like having dinner with a student or writing a note to them.”
Her message reflected the heart of Legacy League’s work. While its impact can be measured in scholarships and dollars, its influence extends through the relationships and encouragement that help students see a hopeful future.
“Hope looks beyond what is, imagines what could be and makes room for someone to get there,” Brown said.
As Legacy League begins its second century, Taylor said she is looking forward to seeing where that mission leads next.
“I think about what God will do next,” Taylor said, “where is He leading us and how is He growing us.”
Through scholarships, relationships, prayer and practical support, Legacy League continues to invest in Samford students and build a community around its mission. To learn more, visit samford.edu/legacyleague.
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