Surrounded by the stained glass windows of St. Andrew's Hall, Wayne State University celebrated the generous commitment of its Old Main Society members on May 15, 2013, at the society's annual brunch. The Old Main Society is Wayne State's recognition group for alumni and friends who have named the university in their estate plans. The generosity of Old Main Society members helps provide for future generations of scholars, researchers and faculty members.

The annual brunch was held on campus at the newly renovated St. Andrew's Hall. The Old Main Society was the first group to enjoy the historic space since its recently completed renovation. The project included upgrading audiovisual technology, as well as improving comfort and accessibility.

David Ripple, vice president of development and alumni affairs and president of the Wayne State University Foundation, welcomed 85 guests to the brunch and noted that planned gift pledges at the university now total more than $75 million. "Planned gifts have played an important role at Wayne State for generations," he told the audience. He noted specific initiatives including the naming of the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History and the recently completed restoration of the McGregor Memorial Conference Center Reflecting Pool.

Deputy President Phyllis Vroom provided a university update and shared her personal story of giving. Vroom received scholarships when she studied social work at Wayne State and said they "opened all kinds of doors for me." Scholarship support allowed her to focus entirely on her studies rather than work. Vroom is now an Old Main Society member and plans to fund scholarships for future social work students. She explained, "Planned gifts are a way to make opportunities for others the same way others made opportunities for me."

Vroom's story was echoed by that of Paul Bishop '13, who graduated with his master's degree in music composition just a week before the brunch. Bishop was the first in his family to attend college and worked as a commercial fence installer for eight years before enrolling as an undergraduate at Wayne State. When he did, his employer gave him an ultimatum to leave school or leave his job. Bishop chose to continue his education.

View photos from the event

"My first year here was very much a leap of faith," Bishop shared. He later received multiple scholarships, including the Evangeline L. Dumesnil Scholarship for music students. A recent $4.4 million gift from the Evangeline L. Dumesnil Trust ensures this scholarship will continue in perpetuity, helping students like Bishop pursue their dreams of a career in music.

Bishop told those at the brunch that receiving scholarships helped him take an entirely different path in life. "It really encouraged me to keep going," he said. Without his education, Bishop believes he would be working as a laborer rather than a musician. Now he is committed to composing music, as well as teaching others. Bishop closed his remarks by saying, "Education is a way to make a life for yourself that's not like anything else."

Posted on May 21, 2013