One at a time: Educator's gift to college a lesson in effecting change

Wayne Bryant Roberts knew he could not help -- or save -- every child.

Yet, he knew that there were a lot of them out there who did not have the means to pursue a college education.

So, he endowed a fund -- and encouraged others he knew to do the same. And he picked an affordable university -- somewhere where he could help not just a few, but many.

The aim?

To change the world -- by providing a college education for one student at a time.

So because of his generosity -- and probably the generosity of others -- there will be students who could not otherwise afford it at the University of Mount Olive now and in the future.

What a legacy to leave -- the chance to give someone the gift of a future.

And Mr. Roberts is not alone.

There have been many generous benefactors over the years not only at UMO, but at other colleges across the area, who gave the gift of a chance to make it to a child who might otherwise have had to struggle.

But the question that Mr. Roberts asked remains -- What if we did give a little bit more?

What if those who were really wealthy, really blessed spent more money on sponsoring potential than on fancy homes and sports cars?

What if we tried to make a difference one small step at a time?

You might not be able to leave $397,000 to anyone, but that doesn't mean you can't be part of that "small step" movement.

Mentor a child, donate a book to a school, buy school supplies for a needy child, read to a kindergarten class one afternoon.

It just might be the gift that changes a life.

We bet Mr. Roberts, who has passed on, would be proud.

Published in Editorials on August 31, 2015 11:02 AM