Joyce Kipps '50, Educator Creates Opportunity for Future Students

Joyce Kipps '50 has never underestimated the power of education. In fact, few could testify to its importance more than Kipps. An educator for 40 years in Madison County, Virginia, she has seen both her students and their children "come up in the world."

While she's been out of the classroom for 12 years, she hasn't forgotten the importance of education -- or the college that equipped her with a "good foundation." With gratitude, she has chosen to include Roanoke College in a planned gift to create scholarships for deserving students who attend the institution.

"Roanoke is a good school," says Kipps. "I received financial aid when I was there, so I know how important it is for young people to have that help -- it's even more critical today."

And Kipps knows first hand the value of a well-rounded liberal arts education. "It helped me," she says. Kipps feels she was better prepared when she entered elementary education because of her liberal arts background. She continued to reap the benefits when she pursued a Masters in Special Education from the University of Virginia and taught intermediate and high school special education (MR), and finally high school math.

"I wanted to teach high school math when I first came out of college," says Kipps. "I kept on till I got there." After teaching two generations of students, Kipps says jokingly, "I wanted to get out before I started teaching the grandchildren of my former students." Even still, "it makes me feel good when I see and hear about what they're doing."

Kipps feels good about the changes she sees at Roanoke, too. Active in her church and the Synodical Women's Organization, she often visits the campus that holds fond memories of her college days. "There, you knew the students and the faculty personally," she says. "I particularly remember Professor James Rickard's classes." Dr. George Perry and Dr. Charles Smith, president of the college at the time, also come to mind.

Active in Woman's Club, Retired Teachers' Organization, DAR, and the Community Concert Board, Kipps still lives on the same farm where she was raised. While her schedule might be complex, her reason for supporting future generations is simple: "Education is important."

As the year 2002 comes to a conclusion and you begin to prepare your charitable plans for the future, please feel free to call on us. We may be able to help you fulfill your objectives as well as benefit you and your family. A year-end gift to Roanoke College demonstrates your belief in our mission and may benefit you with desirable tax benefits.