For 50 years, Pfeiffer University’s Class of 1968 has been a trailblazer.

In 1968, the 150 members of the senior class wanted to make a significant contribution with the $2,000 they had in their class fund. They have since turned that $2,000 into legacy gifts of more than $2 million for their alma mater.

In 1968, members of the senior class agreed to continue adding annually to the funds in their class account. Their collective commitment was that class members would make annual contributions equal to the number of years since graduation, and as a result, on the occasion of their 25th reunion year, the fund totaled $30,000.

A focused fundraising effort doubled that amount, and on the 25th anniversary of their graduation, the class presented Pfeiffer with a gift funded through two life insurance policies on the lives of two of its members.

At the death of the insured classmates, both female non-smokers, the policy payouts would be $2 million to support Pfeiffer’s endowment.

In 2017, the class directed an early payout on one of the policies, and those proceeds were used to renovate the Delight and Garfield Merner Center, creating a Welcome Center at Pfeiffer University.

The Welcome Center houses the admissions and financial aid offices and is a central hub for new and prospective students. Since its completion, the center has welcomed two record-breaking classes of incoming students to Pfeiffer’s campus.

Not to be outdone by their history, the class has used the occasion of their 50th reunion to announce the establishment of The Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Funded by 50th reunion year gifts, pledges and planned gift designations, commitments to the Class of 1968 Endowed Scholarship are estimated to total nearly $1.2 million.

The scholarship will provide financial assistance to Pfeiffer students beginning in the fall.

“Pfeiffer was the most amazing place for our class,” said Thad Woodard, class president. “Since the day we left, it has been our collective intention to support the university and ensure that it continues to thrive and grow. We have been creative and committed. We challenge the classes following us, and all of Pfeiffer’s alumni, to do the same.”