Give Now, Give Later

Gene '62 and CarolAnn Adcock

Gene '62 and CarolAnn Adcock

Gene Adcock '62 was told upon admission to Davidson that he would be lucky if he graduated with a C+ average. After earning straight ‘A's his first year, the Henderson, N.C., native was awarded a scholarship for students who proved themselves right out of the gate.

"My family told me in a very loving way that they had used up every cent of savings on my first year, but they had faith I would do well and believed the Lord would provide," he said. "You can imagine what an impression that made on me. It raised my competitive spirit, too, because I worried if I didn't do well, I would lose the scholarship."

From that moment on, Adcock knew that if he had an opportunity to give back to Davidson down the road, he should do whatever he could, even if it was $10 per year, and he has never missed a year.

Adcock, who lives in Winston-Salem, has included Davidson in his estate plans—plans he made with his wife, CarolAnn, to make sure the four organizations that mean the most to them will benefit from their generosity. As his retirement grows, so does the amount given to Davidson in support of scholarships.

"Two of our four children passed away, and the two surviving children are married, have children and do well, financially," he said. "We helped them with four years of college and great teeth, and told them we are going to leave them each a modest amount, but the bulk of our money is going to charities we feel strongly about. They agree that's the right thing to do."

Adcock and his classmates celebrated their 50th Reunion in 2012. He served on a committee that met with President Carol Quillen, and he was taken with her vision and ideas.

"We announced to folks at that meeting that giving out of your checkbook and wallet is important, and it is just as important to give out of your will," he said. "All my advisers would agree. You need to be assured where your money is going in the long term. My class broke all records the year of our 50th Reunion, and I hope others listened to our message and will give from their wills, as well."

A faithful Davidson volunteer, Adcock has been active in several class reunions and has given of his time to annual fund efforts and lecturing in the medical humanities program.

Adcock retired from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center as a professor of pediatrics and vice president and associate dean of planning and program development.