New annual scholarship honors late alumna Gayle Lanford ’62, ’74
April 12, 2017
Counselor, benefactor, mentor, friend – the late Gayle Campbell Lanford ’62, ’74 was a woman who lived to help others find their path in the world. Her legacy of compassion will continue on through a new annual scholarship at Winthrop University for aspiring guidance counselors.
The Gayle Campbell Lanford Annual Scholarship, which will award for the first time in fall 2017, will support one student who is pursuing a M.Ed. in counseling and development, school counseling concentration, and demonstrates a passion for and commitment to guidance counseling. First preference will be given to students from York, South Carolina, or Spartanburg County, South Carolina. The scholarship illustrates Winthrop’s increased focus on creating a culture of philanthropy, with fundraising named a crucial priority in the Winthrop Plan, the university’s strategic plan through 2025.
Joe Lanford said he established the scholarship to commemorate his late wife’s steadfast commitment to helping others.
“I always loved and admired what Gayle did and the passion she brought to her work as a guidance counselor,” said Joe. “I hope that the example of her life might be an inspiration to Winthrop students to carry on the great work that she did.”
A native of Spartanburg, Gayle earned her B.A. in English and her M.Ed. in guidance at Winthrop. She taught English and French in Waynesboro, Virginia, before moving on to work as a guidance counselor at Rawlinson Road Junior High School, Castle Heights Junior High School and Northwestern High School in Rock Hill. In 1990, Gayle was honored as S.C. School Counselor of the Year for her tireless efforts to improve admissions and find financial assistance for college-bound students.
Her commitment to service extended far beyond school walls as well. She took a personal interest in the lives of her students, opening her home to them and offering financial assistance to help them achieve their dreams of a college degree. In addition, Gayle was a long-serving board member for the Children’s Attention Home of Rock Hill, and she volunteered to assist homeless families at Woodland United Methodist Church. She even found time to serve others during her many travels, working as a medical volunteer in impoverished communities in Honduras.
Joe noted that Gayle “would be very pleased to know this scholarship will benefit students who share her passion for counseling.”
“She certainly held Winthrop in high esteem and felt indebted to Winthrop, which is why the scholarship is so meaningful,” he added.
To make a gift to the Gayle Campbell Lanford Annual Scholarship, visit www.winthropalumni.com/give, or send checks made payable to “Winthrop University Foundation” to:
Winthrop University Foundation
302 Tillman Hall
Rock Hill, SC 29733
For more information, contact Meredith Carter, communications coordinator, at 803/323-2236 or [email protected].
