2011-2012 Annual Report

THE WILLIAM GIBSON STORY Although the state of Ohio had chartered Cedarville College in 1887, the lack of meaningful monetary support stalled the school’s development. It was a dream waiting to become a reality. The early years were lean and difficult for the trustees, and their hopes soon faded. By 1890, they were on the brink of abandoning the entire project. Late in 1891, an influential Cincinnati businessman, William Gibson, passed away. In his will, he left an astonishing $25,000 estate gift to Cedarville. News of this gift revitalized the trustees and spurred a renewed promise for the young college. The college formally opened on September 19, 1894, with 32 students. In 1910, Dr. David McKinney, first President of Cedarville College, remembered Gibson’s gift when he wrote, “… it seemed as though Providence intended that this work should go on.” Gibson’s gift amounted to less than 2 percent of the total value of his estate, yet who can calculate its eternal value? God used William Gibson and his gift at just the right time in our history. He can use your generosity to help secure Cedarville’s future. We are grateful for our Gibson Society members who have elevated Cedarville to “family status” by including us as an heir in their estate plans. cedarville.edu/giftlegacy 2