CENTRE ASSOCIATE OF THE YEAR FOR 2005
JANE L. STEVENSON
In the vernacular of Centre’s Office of Admission, a high school student whose heart is absolutely set on attending our College is said to be “burning for Centre.” Although “BFC” is a label typically reserved for prospective students, there are a few alumni whose passion for Centre remains so strong over the years that the label still applies. This is certainly true of our 2005 Associate of the Year, Jane L. Stevenson.
Shared values and vision are at the heart of lasting relationships. Both Centre College and Jane Stevenson care deeply about young people and their future. She and Centre share a conviction that a rigorous education in the liberal arts and sciences is the best preparation for a bright and aspiring young person who dreams of making a difference for good in his or her work and service. Centre’s mission is to prepare students for lives of learning, leadership, and service. Jane Stevenson’s mission – over a long number of years – has been to make sure that every promising high school student she meets knows about and considers applying for admission to Centre. Both she and the College have been remarkably successful in fulfilling their missions, and Jane has unquestionably been a factor in Centre’s success.
Most importantly, she has been a factor in the success of thousands of students, including many who came our way. During her 34 years as a guidance counselor at Daviess County High School in Owensboro, Jane was known for encouraging students to aspire to achieve a their highest level of potential and to seek the postsecondary educational preparation that was right for them. Students with the desire to attend college, but without the financial resources to do so, became her special projects, and she worked magic in opening doors of opportunity for them. Few people have touched the lives of so many young people over such a long period of time.
Always generous in her financial support of Centre, Jane’s particular interest is student scholarships. In grateful recognition of her outstanding service to Centre College, her exemplary life and career, and her tireless efforts on behalf of students, we are pleased to recognize Jane L. Stevenson as the Centre Associate of the Year for 2005.
