When Mary Royster began reflecting on the idea of her legacy, she came across an ancient Greek proverb that deeply resonated with her approach to philanthropy.
“‘A society grows great when old men,’ or, in my case, old women, ‘plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.’”
For Royster, philanthropy has always been about doing what you can to help others, even when you know little about them or may never see the long-term impact of your generosity.
It is an outlook shaped by her faith and reflected throughout her life. For years, Royster spent part of her summers teaching English to students in China, sharing what she knew with people whose paths might never cross hers again.
“Boy, that was such a great, great feeling, to know that somebody really valued what you had to offer them,” she recalled. “That was such a morale booster.”
Mary has always had a passion for helping others and making a difference.
“The most important thing is that I love the Lord. I know that He loves me. I believe Him. I trust Him,” she said. “I try to live my life by doing things that are pleasing in His sight.”
So, years ago, when a letter from University of the Cumberlands arrived in Royster’s mailbox, perhaps it was not so unusual that she was willing to help people she had never met.
She was unfamiliar with Cumberlands and had never even visited southeastern Kentucky. Still, she found herself deeply moved.
“The letter painted a picture with words. I felt like I could see the mountains of Kentucky and picture the students there,” she explained.
The message was simple: Students in southeastern Kentucky would greatly benefit from financial support.
“Education is very important to me,” Royster said. “I was inspired to help people I knew nothing about. I just thought, I can help here.”
Though Royster knew little about the students she was helping or what they were studying, she believed her contributions could make a difference.
As she continued to receive letters from Cumberlands, Royster developed a particular interest in the university’s work-study program. The program offers students the opportunity to work in on-campus jobs, gaining professional experience while earning money that can help offset educational expenses.
During her college days, Royster experienced the benefits of a similar program at her alma mater in Chicago.
“I had a job operating a switchboard. If it weren’t for that position, I would have never gotten my job at the telephone company.”
That work-study position opened the door to a full-time job and, eventually, a successful career with Verizon. Her own experience showed her how one opportunity could shape the course of a student’s life, which is why she believes so strongly in the opportunities Cumberlands provides.
“I believe it’s important for students to have an opportunity to learn outside of their classroom, and Cumberlands offers many positions that help the community as well,” she explained. “For example, I love the Mountain Outreach program. I think it’s wonderful because not only are they helping somebody, they’re learning an important skill.”
Royster began giving to Cumberlands in 1991. Over the years, she has supported many causes across campus from Diversity & Civic Responsibility to Mountain Outreach. For her, giving is about helping wherever the need is greatest because she trusts the mission and vision of Cumberlands.
“I love the environment of Cumberlands. I love the small school. The students are working hard while they are learning; it just really stands apart,” she said.
Royster receives updates about the impact of her contributions, but she also understands that some of the good made possible through her philanthropy may remain unseen to her on this side of heaven.
That understanding has shaped how she thinks about her legacy. Royster has even taken steps to ensure her support continues long after her lifetime by including University of the Cumberlands in her will.
She may never know every student her legacy gift will help, but there is one future student she would especially like to see at Cumberlands.
“You know what would really make me smile if I were able to look back after I’m gone?” Royster said. “If my grandson were there working and studying on the campus.”
“Now, hopefully, because he’s in the tenth grade already, I’ll still be here a couple more years,” she laughed.
In many ways, it brings her story back to the proverb that first gave words to what she had been doing all along. For decades, Royster has planted seeds in places near and far, including one that was once little more than a picture painted for her in a letter. She may never know the students who benefit from her generosity or build better futures because she chose to give.
But that was never the point.
For Mary, the privilege is in planting the tree and trusting that, someday, someone she may never meet will find shade beneath its branches.
Through a planned gift to University of the Cumberlands, you, too, can create transformational opportunities to solidify your legacy for generations to come. In doing so, you can leave an enduring mark on our university and forever change the lives of our students.
For more information about Planned Giving please contact sherry.roaden@ucumberlands.edu.
Create a Legacy
You can create a legacy, too. For more information on making a planned gift, please contact:
Tyler Smith
Office of Planned Giving
plannedgifts@ucumberlands.edu · 606-539-3571