Gift From Family Of Gordon Milton Adams Exceeds $2.5 Million For Limestone Scholarships

Limestone College recently received one its largest planned gifts ever when it was presented with a check for over $2.5 million for the Gordon Milton Adams Academic Scholarship Fund.

When the donation from the estate of Margaret Bickel Adams was first announced in April of this year, it was estimated that the gift amount would be $2 million, but it turned out to be in excess of $2.5 million. The donation will provide Limestone students with scholarships for generations to come.

The check was presented on August 13 in Marion, NC. “Margaret wanted to honor her husband and son and the Adams name,” said attorney Sharon L. Parker, who assisted Mrs. Adams with her will and estate plans. “She put a lot of thought into what could do the most good.”

The scholarship was originally established in July of 2007 in memory of Gordon Milton Adams, Limestone Class of 1984, by his parents, Margaret and Horace Adams. Limestone was informed in August of 2017 that Mrs. Adams had passed away and that she had included the College in her estate plans.

“This gift is transformational and we are so honored and grateful for the generosity of Mrs. Adams and her family,” noted Kelly Curtis, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. “This gift significantly grows our endowment and provides student scholarship support that aligns with the College’s commitment to keep private, higher education affordable for students and families. Providing access to individuals who may find the higher education path difficult is a proud Limestone tradition.”

The Gordon Milton Adams Academic Scholarship Fund provides assistance to deserving, financially disadvantaged students wanting to improve their lives through higher education. Preference for the scholarship is given to students who have lived in a children’s home or with a foster family.

“It's amazing how many dreams of a college education this extraordinary gift will help make possible," said Limestone President Dr. Darrell Parker. "This will have an immeasurable impact on the lives of our students. Scholarships are vitally important to Limestone’s future and allow donors to establish lasting legacies. We are extremely grateful to Mrs. Adams for remembering Limestone in this significant and impactful way.”

Margaret Adams, who was a long-time resident of Marion, was born in Baltimore in 1928 and she died on July 19, 2017.  She was a graduate of East Carolina University and taught for 32 years in North Carolina public schools.

Gordon Milton Adams passed away in December of 1991. His father, Horace, died in February of 2004.

For additional information about how to provide scholarships to Limestone College students, call the Institutional Advancement Department at (864) 488-4606.