Dr. William
Roberts’ bequest to support College’s residential liberal arts mission
CONWAY, Ark. (May 29, 2024) — Hendrix
College has received a $4.6 million bequest from the
estate of forward-thinking alumnus, former board
member, and loyal supporter, the late Dr. William “Bill” Roberts ’65 of Conway.
The bequest — one of the largest estate
gifts in Hendrix’s history — will be used to invest in new academic and
co-curricular initiatives that support the College’s residential liberal arts
mission through the previously established Dr. William “Bill” Roberts
Innovation Endowment Fund.
A longtime Hendrix donor, Roberts used
this bequest to further reflect his passion for the College and the education
he received, which prepared him for a career as a physician and a life of
engaged citizenship.
After Hendrix, Roberts attended the
University of Arkansas at Little Rock for Medical Sciences School of Medicine,
where he became licensed as a Doctor of Internal Medicine and received a Fellow
in Cardiology certificate. He continued his medical career in the U.S. Army and received the Department of Defense Joint
Service Commendation Medal in 1972 for meritorious service as a medical
officer.
In 1974, Roberts opened his private
practice in Conway, faithfully serving Conway area residents and generously
supporting many charitable organizations in the community for nearly a half century. A Hendrix College Board of
Trustees member for 12 years, Roberts advised pre-med students at Hendrix and
served in a volunteer supervisory role for health care on campus for many
years.
“Bill Roberts believed deeply in the
residential liberal arts experience at Hendrix,” said Hendrix President Karen
Petersen. “Through his philanthropy and service, he made sure that experience
would continue to change the lives of future students.
“This latest expression of his generosity
comes at a critical moment as we begin a new strategic planning process and
make plans to celebrate the College’s sesquicentennial in 2026,” she said.
Petersen will lead efforts to identify
initiatives suitable for investment from the fund’s annual proceeds. New
initiatives supported by the Roberts Innovation Fund are intended to become
self-sustaining within three years and will be reviewed annually by the Board
of Trustees to measure their success based on increased enrollment and revenue
growth.
“With the Roberts Innovation Fund, we
can support bold and creative ideas that build on our tradition of excellence
and further enhance the academic and student life experience at Hendrix,” said
Petersen. “I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor one of our most
loyal supporters than to connect his legacy to programs that ensure Hendrix thrives
for the next 150 years.”
The Roberts bequest underscores the potential
of estate planning to create lasting impact, said Hendrix Vice President for
Advancement Dr. Meredith Brunen.
“We are deeply grateful to Dr. Roberts
for his vision, commitment to the College, and incredible generosity,” said
Brunen. “This inspirational gift is a shining example of what is possible when
individuals are forward-thinking and passionate about making a difference long
after they are gone.”
Hendrix
supporters and friends of Dr. Roberts may make gifts to the Roberts Innovation
Fund by contacting the Office of Development at developmentoffice@hendrix.edu or
501-450-1223. For more information on planned giving, visit www.hendrixaltusbell.org.
About Hendrix
College
Founded
in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools
That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the
country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning
opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The
Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has
been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with
the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable
living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of
accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.”
—Hendrix College Statement of Purpose