Drs. Rentfro and Lennon
Blend Current and Future Gifts to Endow Scholarship
Dr. Randall “Randy” Rentfro knows how important scholarships are to help offset the costs of higher education—that’s why he and husband Dr. Ron Lennon chose to invest in Millikin’s students by endowing the Dr. Randall Rentfro and Dr. Ron Lennon Scholarship with a present gift and leaving a percentage of their estate to the scholarship as well.
“My family’s financial situation was tight growing up, and Millikin offered me a great financial aid package—thanks to that aid, a Millikin education was possible for me,” said Randy. Blending their outright gift with an estate provision has allowed Randy and Ron to see their scholarship begin changing students’ lives during their lifetimes. “Plus, the estate provision will greatly enhance the funds available for future scholarships,” explained Randy.
As a student at Millikin, Randy was an accounting major—though he had a passion for the arts. “When I needed a break from the business world, I would hang out in the theatre and communications faculty offices and live vicariously through the theatre majors,” he said. Fittingly, his and Ron’s scholarship supports students studying in the Tabor School of Business or College of Fine Arts.
After completing his degree in accounting at Millikin in 1978, Randy went on to earn a master of accounting science from the University of Illinois in 1986 and his Ph.D. in accounting from Florida Atlantic University in 2000. After graduating from Millikin, Randy worked for Caterpillar as an accountant then joined Decatur Memorial Hospital as the controller. He returned to Millikin in 1990 as a professor of accounting and information systems in the Tabor School of Business, earning tenure. In addition, Randy has served Millikin as a trustee since 2011.
Now retired, Randy and Ron are active in their community of Palmetto, Florida, and both have a keen interest in the arts. Ron serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Manatee Performing Arts Center. They also enjoy traveling, both internationally and domestically in their motorhome.
Serving on the faculty and as a trustee helped influence Randy’s decision to endow his scholarship. “Millikin and other private universities face daunting budgetary challenges,” he said. “Those of us that have prospered because of our Millikin education can help relieve those financial pressures by contributing at whatever level we are able. Every dollar is needed to ensure that Millikin will be there for the next generation of students. Plus, it feels good to pay it forward.”