Erskine College receives $1.9 million bequest

Erskine College is pleased to announce a $1.9 million bequest from the late Jean Kerr, a longtime friend and benefactor whose gift will support three endowed scholarships, furthering the college’s mission to equip students for lives of service and leadership.

Kerr, whose family has been closely connected to Erskine for generations, leaves a legacy of commitment to education. Her bequest will be directed to three scholarships established by the Kerr family.

The William Kennedy Kerr Athletic Scholarship is named for Kerr’s father, a 1938 graduate who went on to become a physician. He played on  the Erskine football team and was active in the Euphemian Literary Society. The scholarship is awarded to a men’s or women’s basketball player demonstrating exceptional leadership, athleticism, and academic excellence. The Rosa Burch Kerr Scholarship, designated for a student planning to enter the medical field, is named in honor of Kerr’s mother, described in the scholarship agreement as “a nurse, a nurturing mother, and a Christian servant.” The Mary Katherine Kennedy Scholarship, awarded to an education major, is named for William Kerr’s cousin, who graduated from Erskine in 1936 and taught first grade in nearby Ware Shoals for 41 years.

Kerr’s generous bequest comes in the wake of a landmark $3 million contribution this summer by an anonymous donor as well as robust enrollment numbers this fall, marking a time of growth and momentum for Erskine College.

“These gifts reflect a powerful vote of confidence in Erskine’s future,” says Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson. “We are deeply grateful for Jean Kerr’s enduring generosity, for the generous anonymous donor, and for the continued support of our alumni and friends.”

Erskine College remains committed to cultivating leaders in athletics, medicine, education, and many other areas of vocation and ministry. These recent gifts provide vital resources, strengthening the college’s ability to serve future generations.