Livingstone College News Service

SALISBURY — Under the leadership of Velveeta Hairston, the Hairston Funeral Home is intentional about investing in future generations of the Rowan-Salisbury community and Livingstone College.

After a presentation given by both the funeral home and the Honors Program at the college’s signature event, Fridays at the Stone, Hairston was led to invest in the Honors Program stating, “We live by the gift of giving.”

In addition to a monetary contribution of $1,000, Hairston Funeral Home visited Livingstone to share its towel ministry with Presidential Scholars who are international students. “We are grateful for the generosity of Mrs. Hairston and her endeavors to share love and time with us,” said Emmanuel Amponsah, a freshman from Ghana.

Hairston shared her experience as a Livingstonian with scholars, and her staff members Sandra Corpening and Phillip Caldwell joined Hairston and scholars in prayer, led by international student Robert Osei of Ghana.

 “The Presidential Scholars of Livingstone College are appreciative to be on the receiving end of alumna Velveeta Hairston’s gifts. Her investment will support our leadership and mentoring efforts of access to internship opportunities through reflective coaching designed to help students with a record of academic achievement understand their talents and interests, choose a career goal, map pathways through education, and navigate challenges,” Honors Director Dr. Da’Tarvia Parrish said. “Our students are talented, and alumni support in time, resources, and financial contributions are always welcomed.”

For years, Hairston Funeral Home has invested in the community with scholarships for high school seniors in Salisbury to attend college, sanitation and support to elderly care facilities and patients, and many other ways. The founder and visionary of Hairston Funeral Home, is the late Tommy Howard Hairston Sr.who passed away in 2022, whereas Velveeta and committed staff continue to enhance and elevate the vision.