“Editor Mail: I take this method of expressing the thanks of the Tuskegee State Normal School to the Magnolia Hook and Ladder Fire Company, colored, of Tuskegee, for their very generous donation of $25 towards the proposed new building.” – B.T. Washington, April 16, 1884
Presidential Commentary by Dr. Brian Johnson
Appreciation expressed for donations or services given to Tuskegee Institute (University) in matters both small and great is a recurring theme in Mr. Washington’s correspondence to donors and organizations who contributed to his work. And such a theme speaks profoundly to the notion of stewardship. While supremely important, stewardship is not simply utilizing resources according to the donor’s intentions. Stewardship is also expressing appropriate measures of gratitude when gifts are received. For if one cannot take the time to express gratitude when a gift is received, it is unlikely that one will take the time to steward over the gifts received in a manner consistent with the donor’s wishes.
Brian L. Johnson, Ph.D.
Brian Johnson, Ph.D. 