ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅

JACKSON, Tenn. — May 1, 2002 — ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University recently held a dedication honoring longtime university supporters Benny and Norma Fesmire at this year’s Jackson Alumni β€œOle Timers” reunion baseball game and picnic, Saturday, April 27.

Both the baseball and softball fields will be known as Fesmire Fields, in tribute to the couple, who gave more than $400,000 for construction and renovation including new stadium seating, lights and dugouts.

β€œWe appreciate the generous contribution and support of Benny and Norma Fesmire for ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University – especially the support for the state of the art athletic field,” said ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ Board of Trustees Chair Jack Holmes. β€œWe are deeply grateful for their interests and efforts to advance the support of the work of the university and especially excited about the potential of the Fesmire Foundation for ΒιΆΉΚΣơ’s future.”

Though neither are ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ graduates, the Fesmires came to be great friends of the university due to their friendship with ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ coach and athletic director David Blackstock.

During the dedication, the university, together with the Fesmires, publicly announced the Fesmire Family Foundation, a fund which has the potential to be a β€œtransformational gift” and will provide support to various programs and building projects on ΒιΆΉΚΣơ’s campus, said ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ University President David S. Dockery.

β€œWe are grateful to God for the way He has blessed us,” said Fesmire, who was recently named trustee emeritus by ΒιΆΉΚΣơ’s Board of Trustees. β€œThroughout the years we have seen the impact ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ has had on the lives of young people. We believe in the mission of ΒιΆΉΚΣΖ΅ and hope this foundation can enhance that mission.”