Samford University recently announced the establishment of the Carolyn and Don Drennen Endowment for American History, Civics and the Constitution. This endowment, made possible through a generous gift from the Drennen family, will provide critical resources for advancing education in American history, the U.S. Constitution and the ideals upon which the nation was founded.
“One of my favorite quotes comes from Winston Churchill: ‘We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,’” said Carolyn Drennen. “This reflects my philosophy for how to live life and is central to my belief in the importance of giving back to others.”
The endowment will support a range of initiatives aimed at enriching the academic experience for Samford students and advancing the university’s mission. These initiatives include aiding in the recruitment and hiring of distinguished faculty, underwriting the cost of bringing prominent speakers to campus, providing financial support for annual Constitution Day programming, supporting university historians with stipends and logistical resources, expanding faculty research and travel opportunities for scholarly work and offering students opportunities to engage in faculty-directed research.
“I am truly grateful for Mrs. Drennen’s generosity,” said Jonathan Den Hartog, chair of the History Department at Howard College. “This endowment will significantly strengthen our ability to teach the important principles of American history and civic engagement.”
Drennen, a distinguished Samford alumna, has a long-standing history of involvement with the university. As a student, she participated in the Baptist Student Union Choir, cheerleading and the Service Guild among other activities. Over the years, she has contributed to Samford’s growth through leadership roles on the Board of Overseers, the National Alumni Association, the Legacy League and the School of the Arts Advisory Board.
This endowment reflects Drennen’s lifelong dedication to education and honors the memory of her late husband Don Drennen. The Drennen family’s connection to Samford spans generations, with three children and seven grandchildren, many of whom attended the university.
“Mrs. Drennen is truly a treasure, and it’s been a pleasure getting to know her and her family,” said Dawn McCormack, dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences. “We’re deeply honored by her generous support of the history department, which will benefit our students for years to come.”
The Carolyn and Don Drennen Endowment for American History, Civics and the Constitution will provide lasting support for Samford’s commitment to teaching American history and civic engagement, ensuring that these subjects continue to play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for future generations of students.
