04/17/08 — MOC parents pledge funds for art program

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MOC parents pledge funds for art program

By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on April 17, 2008 1:49 PM

Parents of two Mount Olive College students have made a $50,000 pledge to the school, which will be earmarked for construction of the proposed Fine Arts Village.

Gregg and Bonny Henderson, parents of Corey, 21, a psychology major, and Taylor, an 18-year-old freshman, have long been supporters of education.

For many years Gregg supported his own alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia -- until he received advice that would redirect his contributions.

"A good friend of mine said to me, 'If you can comfortably contribute, then your money should go where it is most needed. Smaller schools with lower endowments need your money,'" he recalls.

The couple were impressed with the liberal arts curriculum at Mount Olive College, prompting their decision to donate money. In recognition of the gift, the board of trustees will be asked to name the classroom studio inside the Fine Arts Village in honor of Bonny Buchanan Henderson, a craftsman in photography, stained glass and a collectable designer eggs.

The couple live in Virginia, where they own VocMed, Inc., a private rehabilitation company.