The generosity of alumni, families and friends helped make the 2025-26 fiscal year a transformational one for Samford University's Howard College of Arts and Sciences, providing new opportunities for student scholarships, academic excellence and strategic initiatives that will benefit the college for years to come.
Throughout the year, donor gifts of every size established new scholarships, strengthened existing endowments and funded projects that directly enhance the student experience, demonstrating that every act of generosity plays an important role in advancing Howard College's mission. The year also marked the highest level of philanthropic support in Howard College's recent history, continuing a trajectory that has seen philanthropic support grow by more than 200% over the past five years as an increasing number of alumni, families and friends invest in Samford's mission.
“One of my favorite tasks as dean is working with Howard College alumni and friends,” said Dean Dawn McCormack. “The great sense of belonging here makes this place extremely special. So many people want to give back in some way, and that says so much about the Samford experience through generations.”
New and expanded investments included the Christina Mosley Furr Endowed Scholarship, Christopher Newton Impact Scholarship, Kelly Family Impact Scholarship, Emily and Greg Kitchens Endowed Scholarship, Robert Isaac Rogers and Jama Davis Rogers Impact Scholarship, Stephen and Kathy Peeples Endowed Scholarship, Boatright Family Impact Scholarship, Martha Scott McLaughlin Impact Scholarship, Mary Lynn Bates Annual Scholarship and the Coleman Family Costa Rica Scholarship Fund.
Donors also strengthened academic excellence through support of the Carolyn and Don Drennen Professorship in American History, Civics and the Constitution annual fund.
One of the most significant philanthropic stories of the year centered on the renovation of the Christenberry Planetarium.
Following several years of relationship building with the Christenberry family, the project received a significant commitment that will help preserve and enhance one of Samford's premier STEM education facilities. The investment supports expanded opportunities for students studying astronomy, physics and related sciences while also strengthening educational outreach for the broader Birmingham community.
John Roland, development officer for Howard College of Arts and Sciences, said the year's success reflects the generosity of donors who believe deeply in the school’s mission and the lives being transformed through higher education.
“Our focus has always been on developing long-term partnerships with people who care deeply about the mission of Howard College,” Roland said. “This year reflects the incredible generosity of alumni and friends who recognize the importance of investing in students, faculty and academic programs. Their support is creating opportunities that will benefit Samford for decades to come.”
Throughout the year, donor support advanced priorities across the school, including scholarships, faculty excellence, academic innovation, student experiences and facility improvements. Howard College also continued building meaningful relationships with alumni and friends who share the university's commitment to preparing students for lives of service and leadership.
McCormack said the momentum created through philanthropy positions the college well for the future while reinforcing the importance of continued donor investment.
"Our students are so deserving and appreciative, and I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible donors to support the college’s mission and goals into the future." McCormack said.
The success of fiscal year 2026 reflects not only the generosity of Howard College's alumni and donor community, but also a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring future generations of Samford students continue to receive an exceptional academic experience.
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