Generous Gift Continues Legacy of Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEPTEMBER 14, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Methodist University received a $50,000 gift from the estate of Mrs. Flora Cornelia “Neill” Wilkins in August 2007. This gift will increase the Flora Cornelia Wilkins and Dr. Samuel B. Wilkins Jr. Scholarship that was established 30 years ago through the estate of Dr. Samuel B. Wilkins.

Dr. and Mrs. Wilkins were involved in the local community and attended several functions at Reeves Auditorium. They appreciated and supported education during their lives and established an endowed scholarship after Dr. Wilkins’ death in 1977. Throughout the remainder of her life, Mrs. Wilkins continued to support Methodist and attend on-campus events, including the annual Endowed Scholarship Luncheon. She enjoyed meeting the students who were recipients of their scholarship.

Dr. Samuel B. Wilkins Jr. graduated from the University of Georgia and Harvard Medical School. He then spent the next 34 years in service to the government and the Veterans Administration. While working for the VA Hospital in Fayetteville, he met and married Flora Cornelia “Neill” Bullard. Mrs. Wilkins was born and raised near Autryville, N.C., and graduated from Campbell Junior College and East Carolina University. She worked as a teacher in the Fayetteville City School System. After they were married, Dr. Wilkins served at VA Hospitals in Georgia and Tennessee before retiring in 1973 and moving back to Fayetteville.

Mrs. Wilkins died June 6, 2007, but the support provided by Dr. and Mrs. Wilkins will continue to assist generations of Methodist University students.

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA II1I intercollegiate sports. For more information, please contact the Development Office at (910) 630-7200.