Meet Our Donors
Forrest ’45 and Norma (Meyer) ’45
Forrest ’45 and Norma (Meyer) ’45
Forrest ’45 and Norma (Meyer) ’45 Fuller met while they were students at Southern in the early ’40s, but it wasn’t until Forrest retired from medicine that the couple returned to Collegedale. Almost immediately, the Fullers began nurturing students by providing a safe and inviting home.
Over the years, the Fullers supported Southern students by providing housing. It was only after Forrest’s passing in 2007 that Norma began to ask the students for assistance with anything: $25 each toward the electricity bill and help with household chores as their schedules allowed. Pizarro said Norma would make the funniest jokes at the dining table and that the joy her host felt in helping to house students was apparent.
Katie Campos, ’13, still recalls several memories from her time living with the Fullers. She had been struggling with two jobs and needed to save money; still, transitioning to a stranger’s home was a little disconcerting. That is, until she got to know Norma. "During the first month living there, I tiptoed around the house as quietly as possible so I would not disturb my new landlord, but then one day Norma stopped me and said to quit being so careful; she preferred hearing our footsteps, conversations, and laughter," Campos said. "Norma gave and gave and never expected anything in return. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope that one day I can return the favor to those in need."
Legacy of Generosity
As if housing students wasn’t gift enough, the Fullers wanted to take their generosity even further. In 1996 they created the Dr. and Mrs. Forrest L. Fuller Student Loan Endowment Fund through the Advancement office at Southern. The low-interest loan is open to students from any major, and one of its largest criteria—of profound importance to the Fullers—is that recipients of the funds desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world through a selfless attitude and involvement in campus activities. In short, students need to recognize the generosity being shown to them and pay it forward.
Even though Forrest and Norma have both passed, their impact at Southern continues through their generous legacy gift. Upon Norma’s passing in May 2014, an additional $1 million from the Fullers’ retirement accounts was added to the endowment—something both Forrest and Norma agreed to years ago.
"There is nothing more satisfying than knowing your legacy of generosity and values will continue to impact and encourage others after you are gone," said Carolyn Liers, former director of Planned Giving, who worked closely with the family. "It is truly a crowning act of stewardship."
To support one of Southern’s funds or scholarships, including the Fuller Student Loan Endowment Fund, visit southern.edu/give. For information about establishing a legacy gift, call 423.236.2832.
By Ingrid Hernandez, ’13
