Planned Giving Specialist Terry Whaley has recently joined the Advancement office at BJU and is excited to see the Heritage Society grow. “Members of the Heritage Society are visibly showing their support of BJU by being active participants in helping us fulfill our mission. They are a vital component of our work,” Terry said.
Terry graduated from BJU in 1981 with a degree in social studies education; and after marrying BJU graduate Michelle (Scott ’93), he spent a number of years in both West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as a Christian school and church administrator. “Much of what I learned about being an administrator, I learned at BJU. In retrospect, that really has influenced me in my position here at BJU. Giving back is such an important part of receiving.”
Terry and Michelle originally created a will to ensure that their children would be well taken care of should something happen to them. However, they recently have decided to become a part of the Heritage Society themselves. “Being a part of the Heritage Society is more than just being part of a club. It’s aligning ourselves with the principles and ministry that BJU has had for over 80 years. That’s something that I can get excited about. I can’t think of a better way to show my support of BJU than to include the University in my estate plan—that’s a commitment worth making.”
Aside from work, Terry loves to spend time with his three children, Alyssa, Kaitlyn and Terry Jr. “The girls are at the elementary school now, and they absolutely love it! T.J. is almost 3 but seems to think he’s much older. Seeing the ministry at the preschool and elementary levels only reaffirms my desire to support the University through our estate. It’s an honor to be able to share the school’s ministry with others.”
During his time at BJU, Terry has been working hard to encourage others to join the Heritage Society. “The growth of the Heritage Society is crucial to the future success of BJU and related ministries*. Most people don’t realize the large percentage of donations that come in every year to BJU via planned gifts. Individual donations are important, but estate gifts are monumental. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are thankful that the Lord has, over time, burdened many hearts for the ministry here, to the point of including BJU in their estate plans. The Heritage Society is simply our way of saying ‘thank you.’”
If you would like to contact Terry Whaley, please email him or call 888.252.6363.
*Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, Demonstrative Need Scholarship Fund, Minority Scholarship Fund, Hispanic Assistance Fund, Science & Engineering Endowment, Alliance for Excellence, Gospel Fellowship Association
