Alumna Shares Fondness for Heidelberg, Helps Brighten Future for Students

By Debbie Spearman ʼ72

Heidelberg means the world to me. My world became bigger and brighter because of my four years at the ’Berg.

Little did I know that fall day in 1968, how much my life would be impacted: how could any of us know what our years at Heidelberg would mean to us years later?

Thinking back, I walked with my parents into France Hall that hot August day to meet my roomie, Vivian Okey, in Room 311. And my wonderful four-year saga began.

Here are just a few of so many wonderful moments in that saga that was life changing:

• Studying in London, England, with the Junior Year Abroad program opened a whole new world. That experience really shaped my maturity and thirst for “more adventure.”
• Working and learning backstage on so many Little Theatre productions with Mr. Austin.
• Attending speech and debate tournaments at different colleges with my colleague, Charlene Cassel, under the leadership of Dr. Wolff and Ruth Bacon. What inspirational women teachers and leaders they were.
• Becoming a part of Greek life (Delt) without the expense of a national sorority. This gave me the undeniable experiences of developing my own leadership style.

Because of what Heidelberg gave to me, for many years it has been my choice to give back financially to Heidelberg, a little at a time, each month. And then, the bigger decision entering my milestone anniversary: What can I do for Heidelberg in a more meaningful way?

First, I chose to support the ’Berg with a financial gift for our 50th anniversary.

And secondly, I decided to name Heidelberg as one of my estate beneficiaries. My hope is to give future students the bigger, brighter world that I was given at Heidelberg, my “Sweet Alma Home.”