Kornegays establish endowment at MOC
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on January 14, 2008 1:55 PM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive businessman George Kornegay figured out the perfect "gift that keeps on giving" for his wife this Christmas.
He established an endowed scholarship in her name at Mount Olive College.
Barbara Kornegay, named vice president for enrollment at Mount Olive College when she returned in 1997 after a stint with the state, first came to MOC in 1983 as director of planning and institutional research.
The idea was prompted by the response Kornegay received when he asked his wife what she might like for Christmas this year.
"I don't need anything," she replied.
As any spouse knows, that answer is insufficient.
It just made George think that much harder about what the "perfect gift" might be.
"Barbara has always been dedicated to Mount Olive College and to education," he said. "I wanted to give her a meaningful gift that would honor her, while at the same time assist students in need, which is her real passion."
His $30,000 donation established the Barbara Ross Kornegay Scholarship Endowment Fund and will support students pursuing a degree in agricultural business or agricultural science education.
The first beneficiary of the funding is expected to be named in the fall of this year, and will be renewable.
Mrs. Kornegay said her parents would be pleased, having "loved the fact that I came to MOC, because they always wanted me to be in education."
It also turned out to be where she would meet her husband. Expressing her own appreciation for the gesture, she said, "I was really moved that George wanted to do this in my honor," she said. "I tried to get him to name it something else, not in my name, but he would not waver."