For Skip and Judy, joining the Westminster College Legacy Society is a deeply personal way to honor the education and experiences that shaped their lives. Their planned gift ensures that future generations of Westminster students will benefit from the same opportunities that inspired them.
“The Westminster Legacy Society is a way for graduates to share their love for Westminster in a meaningful way and to ‘pay it forward,’” they shared. “Our inspiration comes from the belief that one must give back—whether it’s to family, friends, or to the institutions that provided a strong foundation for life. Westminster serves that need for us.”
Both Skip and Judy carry vivid memories of the professors and experiences that influenced their paths.
As a history major, Skip developed a lifelong passion for the subject under the guidance of Dr. Art Jensen and Dr. Harry Swanhart, whose courses in American and European history filled much of his undergraduate schedule. He also credits Dr. Wayne Christy, his Old and New Testament professor, and Gary Mullin, a young political science instructor, with shaping his academic curiosity and leadership skills. “The work ethic and study habits I formed at Westminster allowed me to pursue my MBA,” Skip reflected. He also recalls the impact of Rev. Bill Jackson, interim chaplain in 1969, who later returned to speak at their 50th reunion in 2023.
Judy began her Westminster journey as a chemistry major, but after discovering that calculus and chemistry proved more challenging than expected—even with the patient support of Dr. Whipkey and Dr. Long—she shifted her focus to elementary education. It was a decision that led to a fulfilling 40-year teaching career. “My professors in the Education Department were wonderful and supportive,” she said, remembering Dr. Miller, Dr. Cockerille, and Dr. Hopkins. “They prepared me academically and inspired my lifelong commitment to learning.”
Their Westminster experiences extended well beyond the classroom. Skip fondly recalls playing intramural sports with his Sigma Nu Fraternity brothers and the friendly competition against faculty teams. “The interaction between students and professors, both in and out of the classroom, was amazing,” he said. Although his original goal was to attend seminary and become a Presbyterian pastor, Skip’s Westminster foundation prepared him to serve as a dedicated lay leader in the church—a calling he continues to fulfill.
Judy’s Westminster years were equally meaningful. A member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and the Marching Band, she found lasting friendships and opportunities to serve others. Volunteering as a Sunday School teacher at Polk State School was one of her most rewarding experiences—a spirit of service she carries forward today as a Literacy Volunteer of New Jersey, tutoring adults preparing for their GED. And perhaps most memorably, her work-study position in the McGill Library led to an unexpected and lifelong connection—meeting Skip, her husband of more than 50 years.
For Skip and Judy, Westminster College remains a cornerstone of their personal and professional lives. Their Legacy Society commitment reflects their gratitude for those formative years and their desire to ensure Westminster’s mission continues for future generations.