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Tom Farmer (center) is surrounded by former Furman President David E. Shi (left) and trustee Jim Hamrick at the dedication of Thomas Spann Farmer Hall in 2007. Farmer Hall houses the Office of Development.<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cThomas Farmer was a loyal alumnus and one of Furman\u2019s most generous supporters,\u201d Davis said. \u201cHe gave much to the university during his lifetime, both in terms of his time and his financial resources, and this bequest is another example of his amazing generosity. It also demonstrates the power of planned giving, and how it can provide a lasting benefit to our current and future students.\u201d<\/p>\n
A portion of the bequest will go to the Thomas Spann Farmer Endowed Scholarship and the Christina Farmer Waring Endowed Art Scholarship. Both scholarships support Furman\u2019s Partners Program, which allows scholarship donors to personally connect with students who benefit from their philanthropy.<\/p>\n
The bequest will also support Furman\u2019s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which develops entrepreneurial leaders on campus\u2013regardless of major or discipline\u2013and fosters a culture of innovation.<\/p>\n
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Farmer, who graduated in 1950, was a member of the cheerleading squad while attending Furman.<\/p><\/div>\n
Farmer graduated magna cum laude in 1950 after returning from duty with the United States Army and Army Air Corps during World War II. While a student, he served as president of the student council and was a member of Blue Key and Quaternion.<\/p>\n
Following graduation, Farmer spent a year at Furman as director of public relations. He then worked for Berlin Myers Lumber Corporation until joining Lowe\u2019s Companies, from which he retired in 1986. He opened the first Lowe\u2019s store in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
He was also active with the Low Country Food Bank, the Rotary Club of North Charleston and his church, Bethany United Methodist in Summerville, South Carolina.<\/p>\n
Farmer was a member of Furman\u2019s Advisory Council, a sustaining member of the Richard Furman Society, and an adjunct member of the Furman Board of Trustees Development Committee. In addition to supporting the Partners Scholarship Program, his financial contributions to Furman have funded the Elizabeth Young Farmer Commons Room in Johns Hall and Thomas Spann Farmer Hall, which houses the Office of Development.<\/p>\n