Sausage king Jimmy Dean donated $1 million Tuesday to Wayland Baptist University, the biggest gift ever donated by an individual to the small school.
-
(Photo: AP Images / Steve Helber, file)In this Aug. 25, 2004 file photo, sausage entrepreneur Jimmy Dean poses with his wife, Donna Meade, at their home in Richmond, Va. Dean and Meade donated $1 million Tuesday, May 20, 2008, to Wayland Baptist University, the biggest gift ever donated by an individual to the small school.
Dean, who dropped out of high school in Plainview in 1946 to work and help his mother, will help finance a scholarship in his late mother's memory.
"I've been so blessed, and it makes me proud to give back, especially to my hometown," the 79-year-old Dean said.
Known primarily for his breakfast sausage, Dean also made a name in country music and starred in "The Jimmy Dean Show" from 1963 to 1966 on ABC as well as acting in TV and movies. He made the donation along with his wife, Donna Meade.
“Words cannot adequately begin to express Wayland Baptist University’s gratitude to the Deans for their very generous gift. The joy created on our campus by their extraordinary kindness is indescribable,” said Wayland President Dr. Paul Armes. “Their act was an answer to prayer, and we are deeply thankful. Because the Deans’ gift is one of our earliest, it will be a strong encouragement to others who are considering a commitment to our Second Century Campaign.”
Wayland Baptist has about 1,000 students and is located about 290 miles west of Dallas.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RSS
Flagging myself. Melchisedec blessed Abram before he he gave the tithe.as the annointing comes before the work. You must be born again before you can do the work.
If he gave to Jesus it will be the best investment he could make.As Melchisedec blessed
Abram for tithe of the spoils may he be blessed with a new name and vision .Gen.15. Well,
the reward of the righteous.anyway :-)