North Greenville University officials held a press conference Feb. 7 to announce the largest single gift in the school’s 121-year history: $6.25 million from the estate of a benefactor who previously supported the university.
Georgia Roberson, shown here at a 2003 ribbon-cutting for a residence hall bearing her and her husband’s names, bequeathed more than $6 million to North Greenville University.The bequest from Georgia T. Roberson, formerly of Anderson, also surged the university past its stated goal – two years ahead of schedule – for the $25 million GIFT God Capital Campaign, which was announced publicly only last October.
“With the current economic climate, we have been truly blessed with friends like the Robersons who realize the importance of Christ-centered higher education,” said Jimmy Epting, NGU president. “This is a historic day in the life of [God’s] institution.”
When the campaign was announced, the university had already raised $18.1 million toward its goal. The $6.25 million Roberson gift, with other gifts brought in since the start of the campaign, surpasses the initial $25 million goal by more than half a million dollars.
School officials announced that an increased “Hallelujah Goal” of $42.7 million has been set and approved by the university’s board of trustees. The campaign is still scheduled for completion in 2015.
Roberson’s first gift to NGU in 2003 allowed the school to build the Marshall H. and Georgia T. Roberson Residence Hall. In 2006, she established a scholarship to assist full-time students.
Roberson’s bequest designated two thirds of the estate for student scholarships and has been added to the Marshall H. and Georgia T. Roberson Scholarship Fund. The remaining funds from the bequest will be used where needed.
Roberson’s husband, Marshall, who died in 2002, was a former pastor and later a successful business owner in Anderson. She worked for Clemson University with the Cooperative Extension Service for 34 years. The Robersons were members of First Baptist Church, Anderson. – NGU