Special to the Journal

A life-long resident, successful businessman and public servant from Luverne has established an endowed scholarship at Troy University in memory of his wife.

Edward L. Turner, Jr., and his daughter, Mrs. Joy Rue of Mobile, met with Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, and other Troy University officials last week to finalize the scholarship agreement.

The scholarship will honor Marjorie Holland Turner by providing ongoing financial support to students at Troy University.

"Mr. Turner's generosity will have a long-term impact on young scholars in our College of Education," Chancellor Hawkins said. "His gift will help train the next generation of outstanding educators in Alabama."

Mrs. Turner was a 1950 graduate of Troy University and received her bachelor's degree in education. She was a resident of Luverne for the majority of her life and taught in the Crenshaw County Schools for many years.

She was also instrumental in the development of the Greek system at Troy University. She was the first alumna initiate and a founding member of the Troy University chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, remaining active in the chapter activities for many years. Holly Yeargan of Clanton, currently president of Troy University's Alpha Gamma Delta Chapter, represented the sorority at the meeting.

Mr. Turner is a former Mayor of the City of Luverne, Past President of the Luverne Rotary Club, Past President of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association and former owner of the Luverne Implement Company. Mr. Turner continues to be active in the community affairs of Luverne.

Dr. Donna Jacobs, dean of the College of Education, expressed her thanks to the Turner family.

"This is such a wonderful way to honor a woman who by all counts was a beloved teacher in her community," Dr. Jacobs said. "I can think of no better memorial than to contribute to the training of our future teachers."

The Marjorie Holland Turner Endowed Scholarship will benefit students of Crenshaw and Pike counties who want to pursue majors in the College of Education at Troy University.

Recipients of this scholarship will be known as Marjorie Holland Turner Scholars. The scholarship will be awarded each academic year at the beginning of the fall semester and recipients may reapply for the scholarship in succeeding years.