Tally says the man interviewed had been burned on over 90% of his body in an oil field accident. When he went out in public, people recoiled. He would tell them that if they would just take the time to get to know him, his scars would disappear.
“That’s a very powerful comment,” Tally says. It’s Tally’s belief, as well as the belief of 21 of his Wofford contemporaries, that providing resources that bring together groups that may not have the same backgrounds or beliefs will accomplish a more unified Wofford as well.
The Wofford Way Unity Fund was established during the summer of 2020 by this group of graduates to support justice, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts at the college.
“Almost one year after our 50th class reunion weekend on campus, social unrest and tension erupted nationwide following the death of George Floyd. The aftermath prompted renewed and vigorous debate on race around the country and at Wofford,” says Craig Davis ’69. “Faculty writings and student demands reached alumni. … Perhaps because of our golden reunion, members of our class reacted strongly — if differently — out of love for the college. Some of us decided that we needed to do something in support of a stronger and more diverse college.”
According to Davis, who experienced major social and political upheaval along with his classmates in the late 1960s, the purpose is to benefit the college and this generation of Wofford students.
“The 1968 Kerner Commission Report, published our senior year at Wofford, identified the factors leading to the riots in various cities around the country after the death of Martin Luther King Jr.,” continues Davis. “The pledges and urgency after Dr. King’s death, and now George Floyd’s death, fade until another comes along. The Wofford Way Unity Fund will seek to implement programs and other opportunities for people who are different to get to know one other — through work, faith-based activities, recreation and academic experiences. From this foundation of personal relationship, particularly in a college setting where good works begin and endure, Wofford can make its mark in this critical endeavor.”
The Class of 1969 Wofford Way Unity Fund creators believe everyone benefits from these experiences.
“This undertaking is another instance of how we are all connected, and how together — with a responsive administration, particularly President Nayef Samhat — we can discuss, refine and put in place a new and significant contribution to our college,” Davis says.
Samhat appreciates the group’s leadership and commitment to the college.
“This is a group that has asked, ’How can we help?’” says Samhat. “The Board of Trustees has adopted the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion task force recommendations, and college leaders continue to review policies and improve practices. This fund is the next step in ensuring that Wofford College students have the resources they need to be successful as students and graduates.”
“The success of the fund depends largely on support from all alumni, parents and friends of the college,” says Calhoun Kennedy ’89, interim vice president for advancement. “This is an opportunity for all who love Wofford College to do something that will forever allow all of us to reap the benefits of this special community.”
To GIVE, visit wofford.edu/wwunityfund or call 864-597-4200.
by Robert W. Dalton