Our story this week is found in the life of Laverne Farmer, who helped to oversee Samford’s financial operations from 1983 until his retirement in 2000.  A study in competence and character, Mr. Farmer died last week, facing the transition with grace, stoicism, and gratitude for a blessed life.  He provided stability for our institution during important years of transition.  On more than one occasion, I’ve heard him tell the legendary story of the time that Samford friends took a birthday gift of two pairs of trousers to the very frugal Ralph Beeson.  Mr. Beeson reportedly thanked his guests, admired the trousers, then handed back one pair with the admonition, “I only need one pair.  You can return the other pair and get your money back.”  Laverne was a good steward of relationships, as well as a good steward of Samford’s financial resources. 

The world is better because Laverne Farmer was born into it.  We mourn his passing, and we celebrate a life well lived. 

 
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.