MISENHEIMER ó After accepting a $1 million unrestricted gift from the estate of late veteran banker William G. White in May, Pfeiffer University has received another significant contribution, this time from a retired school teacher.
The donor, who did not want to be identified, has given the college a six-figure sum, the university said in a press release. The donor is a Pfeiffer graduate who retired from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools after teaching in that system for nearly 30 years.
These two most recent gifts to the university have helped Pfeiffer during the current challenging economy that has left many small private tuition-driven colleges with a decreased university endowment, the press release said. Because of the expense associated with higher education, scholarships and financial resources have become essential elements in the quest to recruit and retain talented students.
The university said the donor is a Cabarrus County native “who has a deep compassion for special needs children and is a big NASCAR fan.” The donor has asked the money be used to establish an endowed internship program that will allow Pfeiffer students to work and serve at the Victory Junction, an organization that provides a safe and medically sound camp experience for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
Started by NASCAR driver Kyle Petty and his wife, Pattie, the camp opened in 2004 in memory of their late son, race car driver Adam. Before his death in 2000, Adam had a vision to start the North Carolina camp after visiting a similar program in Florida.
“Counselors and volunteers have a tremendous impact on the lives of the children we serve,” said Kyle Petty, Victory Junction founder. “The time, the energy, the smiles, are priceless. We are thankful and look forward to a long partnership with Pfeiffer University.”
Pfeiffer President Dr. Chuck Ambrose said the recent contribution demonstrates the importance of service and volunteerism to improving the human condition while helping improve the giver’s life through the kind act to serve others before self.
“The second generous gift received in less than a three-month period will ensure gifted students who have the heart for service will have the benefit of the unique, servant leadership-based education for which Pfeiffer has long been known,” Ambrose said. “We are earnestly grateful for this dearly cherished donor’s charitable investment that will continue the Pfeiffer legacy of servant leadership through this distinctive internship program.”