A Springfield, Colo. woman has left half of the value of her trust valued at $1.5 million as a bequest to the University of Central Arkansas.
The bequest came from the late Wylena Virginia “Billye” Abee Hayward, a 1940 graduate of UCA. She was raised by her mother and grandparents in northeast Arkansas in the community of Swifton. While at UCA she was very active serving as President of Zeta Sigma and the Nature Study Club and member of the Art Club, Childhood Education Club and Y.W.C.A. She also was a Founder’s Day Maid, cheered on the Pep Squad and served on the Pan-Hellenic Council.
After attending UCA and earning a bachelor’s of science in education degree in 1940, she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. She earned a master’s degree in elementary education there in 1961 and went on to teach school for 20 years in both Rawlins and Eugene, Ore.
Hayward’s gift to UCA was unrestricted. The majority will be used to support areas of greatest need at the university and portion of the gift will be designated for academic scholarships in the 2010-11 academic year.”What a special gift to the university. This once again, shows the wonderful memories that graduates have about their college days at the University of Central Arkansas,” said President Allen C. Meadors. “This significant gift will be used to enhance the university and the students who attend it.”
Estate gifts are one mechanism to make a major gift while still providing security during retirement. Over the last four years, UCA has received over $7.5 million in estate gifts and funded student scholarships, visiting lectureship, international programs and capital projects.
“While Mrs. Hayward had not lived in Arkansas for many years, her gift is a testament to what UCA meant to her and the impact education had on her life,” said Shelley Mehl, interim vice president of Advancement.
For more information on making a planned gift to UCA, contact the UCA Foundation at (501) 450-5288 or toll free 1-800-981-4426. – Jennifer Boyett
