Pulling Together

By Gary Duncan ’67

On May 22, 2011, a massive E5 tornado cut a path of destruction 13 miles long and nearly a mile wide in Joplin, Missouri. The toll was massive: 161 deaths, hundreds injured, 4,000 homes gone, 18,000 vehicles destroyed, 500 businesses obliterated, as well as six large apartment complexes, seven schools, a 340-bed acute care hospital, 100 physician offices, 26 dental offices, along with damage to sewers, cell towers and water mains. At the time, I was the President/CEO of Freeman Health System; we weathered the storm except for six of our community mental health facilities.

The devastation was incredible and horrifying. Yet today, Joplin has recovered. We have a greater population base, more housing, new public schools, a medical school, a dental school and 300 more businesses than before May 22, 2011.

How is that possible? A community pulling together; help from 175,000 volunteers; private and public donations from around the area, the region and the world. All in an effort to leave a legacy of renewal, innovation and growth.

Recently, Heidelberg has experienced similar community “pulling together.” A few short years ago, the University was not growing or innovating, and attention was not being paid to an aging campus and facilities. The Board of Trustees, President Rob Huntington and staff, and alumni set goals to modernize existing facilities and build new ones. It was made successful in large part by ’Berg alumni leaving legacy gifts to transform the University.

The COVID pandemic has struck yet another devastating blow to many universities, Heidelberg included. We can emerge even stronger. My wife, Suzy, and I have left a legacy gift for future healthcare education. Please join us for our Class of ’67 55th reunion and consider giving a legacy gift that reflects your passion for education. Our legacy is giving back to Heidelberg for giving us our start.

If you would like to learn more about leaving a legacy at Heidelberg, contact Doug Kellar at 419-448-2888 or dkellar@heidelberg.edu to find the gift that’s right for you.