Earl and Jackie Herndon

It all began with ice cream. Jackie Todd Waldrop '56 met J. Earl Herndon Jr. at an ice cream social when they were on a double date--each with someone else.

Not only did this event eventually lead to marriage, it also led to Jackie's decision to attend Furman--the school closest to Clemson, where Earl was studying civil engineering. Engaged by Christmas of her freshman year, Jackie decided to major in mathematics and finish in three years so she and Earl could graduate in the same year. In June 1956, they graduated from college and were married.

Following a year of graduate school for Earl and a year of teaching for Jackie, they embarked on what would turn out to be a 30-year Army career that included assignments in Germany, Texas, Kansas and Washington, D.C. In 1987 they moved back to South Carolina, settled in a lakeside home in Seneca, and immediately became active members of their community and church.

Jackie and Earl are very aware that they wouldn't be where they are today without their college educations. Both grew up in homes where education was encouraged and appreciated. There was never a question of whether to go to college, only where to go. Over the years they have watched with pride as their respective alma maters have excelled academically, and they are pleased with the direction the schools are taking.

In 2005 the Herndons decided it was time to give something back and to recognize the value of the educations they received. They chose to make a planned gift of a charitable remainder trust (CRT) that eventually will benefit Furman and Clemson. The use of a CRT allows them to make a gift, save taxes and receive an income throughout their lives.

Earl chose to designate his gift to support the Clemson Academic Success Center, which provides academic tutoring for students. Jackie's gift to Furman is unrestricted.

As Earl says: "This is a wonderful way to show our appreciation to these two fine institutions and help them continue to educate the students of the future."