Legacy Gift Seeks to Extend University's Impact
Rosalind Battle Jennings, recipient of a master’s degree in Urban Education from Norfolk State University in 1985, is a woman who knows what she wants in life and beyond. Assist-ing with the care of a feisty mother, Jennings created a planned giving donation to Norfolk State because she sees the future of her alma mater and its students, and wanted to create a gift that would keep on giving.
A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and a 1976 graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, Jennings completed her undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1981. Regarding her planned giving contribution she declared, “I want to create a lasting legacy and provide a steady stream of funding for NSU’s future needs, such as scholarships, research and program development. I wish to leave a lasting impact on NSU and the students it serves solidifying their legacy and values.” Jennings’ gift includes percentages of both her life insurance policy and estate.
Jennings noted that her time in the Education Department at NSU was the second step toward a long and impactful career as a science educator. “I am so thankful, grateful and blessed for my phenomenal NSU education which allowed me to retire after 32 years of teaching earth science in the Chesapeake Public School System.” During her teaching career, Jennings has received numerous accolades including being named Teacher of the Year at Crestwood Junior High School and Oscar Smith High School. She was also named the Mid-Atlantic Region Runner-up for Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Council of Negro Women Inc. and received the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award. “I owe the NSU School of Education my sincere gratitude and appreciation for providing me with the excellent training and tools that I needed to become an award-winning science educator.”
Ultimately, Jennings decided a planned gift would have a greater impact than her annual one. “I decided on a planned gift because I wanted that gift to be larger than my annual donation. With this larger planned gift, I can help NSU’s vision to be recognized nationally as the premier public institution offering outstanding academic programs, innovative research and community engagement opportunities.” Jennings explained that NSU is the beneficiary of a $10,000 life insurance policy. “When my house is sold upon my passing, another $10,000 is to be awarded to NSU.”
“My aspirations for this gift is for the University to be able to continue to manifest its vision and to carry out its mission...where we see the future in our Spartans. I want my gift to help NSU to continue to strive and create a bright future for our students and the greater Hampton Roads Community.”
Jennings has designated her planned gift to the School of Education for student scholarships and other needs of the education department. “It was important for me to leave a planned gift in my will for Norfolk State University because I want this institution to continue to make a positive impact and a difference in the lives of students. I want to help ensure that future generations of NSU students have access to a quality education.”
