Kentucky New Era
October 15, 2004

Publicity Flyer (PDF)

HOPKINSVILLE -- A bequest left by one of the founding Hopkinsville Community College board members will be used to offer faculty and staff endowment.

Frances L. Talbert's $20,000 estate gift established the Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Talbert Memorial Faculty and Staff Professional Development Endowment. The bequest was officially recognized by HCC on Thursday morning as Mrs. Talbert was inducted posthumously into the college's Legacy Society, which acknowledges generous supporters who have played a critical role in securing the future of the community college by making planned or deferred gifts.

W.D. Talbert served on the original advisory board that helped establish the HCC campus from 1964-1965. After his death, Frances L. Talbert served in his place from 1965-1966.

She died in August of 2003, but began working with college officials on the bequest several years prior.

"Together, the couple played an integral role in bringing a two-year college to the local region," a press release from HCC stated. "Mr. and Mrs. Talbert provided significant leadership during the crucial formative years of HCC."

Jeanne Soyars, chairwoman of the HCC Board of Directors, said it is hard to think of the college and not think of the Talberts.

She said W.D. Talbert initiated interest in HCC and the means to develop it, while Frances Talbert was a pathfinder in education, particularly for the women who have served after her.

HCC Advancement Officer Jason Warren said W.D. Talbert's pride in developing his own employees was instrumental in Mrs. Talbert's decision to establish the professional development endowment.

The principal of the bequest will never be spent, Warren said. Earnings from the investment (expected to be about $1,100) will be combined annually with about $700 in earnings from a professional development endowment from Dr. Abraham Gharavi. HCC's professional development committee will allocate the funds.

"Our employees represent our greatest resource," said Dr. Bonnie L. Rogers, HCC president and CEO. "If we are in the business of promoting lifelong learning to our students, we must also embrace and promote continuous learning. Mrs. Talbert's generous gift will provide professional development funds that will support the professional growth and development of our employees."