The Story of William Gibson
A young college struggles to survive
In 1891, Cedarville College was still a dream, waiting to become a reality. The state of Ohio chartered the school in 1887; however, due to lack of any meaningful monetary support, Cedarville still existed in name only.
Those lean years were difficult for the trustees, and their hopes soon faded. They were on the brink of abandoning the entire project.
The gift that changed everything
Then, they received word that the late William Gibson, an influential businessman from Cincinnati, had designated a $25,000 estate gift to Cedarville. Mr. Gibson made the gift in memory of his father and business partner, Peter Gibson, who died in 1884. The news of this gift revitalized the trustees and spurred a renewed promise for the young college.
William Gibson's estate gift enabled Cedarville to purchase the campus site, construct the building now known as Founder's Hall, and pay operating expenses for the next four years. The college formally opened on September 19, 1894, with 32 students. In 1910, Dr. David McKinney, first president of Cedarville College, remembered Gibson's gift when he wrote, "…it was as if Providence had determined that this ministry should go on."
Estate gifts are essential today
Mr. Gibson's gift amounted to less than 2 percent of the total value of his estate, yet who can calculate the eternal value of his gift? Just as God used William Gibson, He can use your generosity to help secure Cedarville University's future. You can make an estate gift through your will, living trust, retirement plans, or life insurance policy.
We are grateful for those who have elevated Cedarville University to "family status" as an heir in their estate plans. If you are among those special individuals, we invite you to join the William Gibson Society, allowing us the opportunity to thank you.