Alumna Gives Gift to Honor Sister

Cumberlands' alumna Mrs. Frances Begley Morris, '53, made a generous gift to the University in memory of her sister, alumna Bobbie "Sue" Begley Stooksbury, '50, who passed away in 2010. The magnanimous gift was given because Frances said her sister "loved this school."

Frances smiled as she recalled living over the cafeteria in Johnson Hall (now Gillespie Hall), taking public music with Dr. Dubois and math with Ms. Compton. Frances recalled Compton often ran late to class and would speed into a parking space next to "the Gray Brick" (now Bennett Building).
"There were two trees next to the Gray Brick, and she would park in between them," laughs Frances, referring to how quickly Compton would rush into the space. "We would swear one of the trees moved over!"

Frances and her sister grew up in Ingram, Kentucky, with their parents, George and Gertrude; two sisters and two brothers. After graduating from Cumberlands, Bobbie "Sue" went to work and retired from Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, living in nearby Clinton, Tennessee, for more than 50 years. After leaving Cumberlands, Frances completed her education at Union College and taught for 30 years at Buckeye Elementary in Pineville, Kentucky. Frances is certain her sister would appreciate the gift made in her honor. "I think this is what she would want me to do."

Frances intends to help support Cumberlands as long as resources are available to do so. She continues to tell local high school students about the value in pursuing an education at Cumberlands.

Like Frances honoring her sister, you too can make a planned gift in honor of a loved one while also impacting the lives of students at the University. To learn more, contact William L. Stohlmann at 606-539-3571 or plannedgifts@ucumberlands.edu.