Brief: A Timeless Tribute

For Ed Good ’67, Furman is more than the school in which he earned a history degree. It’s where he met the love of his life, Peggy Good ’67, where he watched their three sons earn degrees of their own, and where he has devoted the past five decades to investing his time, talent and treasure.

A former chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Paladin Club board and Furman Advisory Council, it’s hard to imagine Furman without the influence of Good. But had it not been for the scholarship he was awarded as a student, his life might have taken a completely different trajectory.

“I probably would not have attended Furman without that scholarship,” Good shared. “As a student, I knew someone had to give that money, and that had an impact on me. I think it’s very important for students to know that there are people who have made significant financial contributions to support them and to develop their school.”

Good believes the newly constructed Benefactors Green will do just that.

Situated between the James B. Duke Library and Furman Dining Hall, the 10 pillars display the names of Furman’s most ardent supporters, members of the White Oaks Society. Named after the university’s presidential house built in 1957, the society recognizes donors who have contributed $1 million or more.

Likewise, each name on the pillars is adorned with a circle to honor a lifetime gift of $1 million. Petals and leaves are added to the circle with subsequent contributions to depict the flower of a dogwood. Alongside the names are bronze markings that designate giving levels of $5 million and $10 million.

Positioned prominently on campus, the tribute was designed for students, faculty and staff, alumni and visitors to enjoy the enriched space, with a timeless reminder of the impact of philanthropy.

“It ended up being, of course, exactly what you would expect from Furman,” Good said of the memorial, which features his and Peggy’s names. “It’s very classy and extremely well done, and not only will students see it, but so will prospective donors.”

Last fiscal year, members of the Furman community contributed $41.6 million to further The Furman Advantage, guaranteeing every student an unparalleled education that combines classroom learning with real-world experiences and self-discovery. To date,
Clearly Furman, the Campaign for Our Third Century, has reached $414 million of its goal of $426 million by 2026.

Through the Benefactors Green, the university aims to honor the generosity and partnership of its most loyal benefactors in perpetuity. Good said he also hopes the names will inspire others to give back.

“I like to say that there’s only so much I can do as one person and that Peggy and I can do together,” Good said. “But if we give to Furman and then Furman turns out 100 young people, and those 100 people go out to help others … think about that leverage.”

Peggy Good passed away on Aug. 1. Read her obituary.