North Greenville University
Russell Ashmore Jr.
North Greenville University
W. Lee Capell
North Greenville University
Bea Dillard
North Greenville University
Weston Warren
The Legacy Awards were given posthumously to Ruth Ashmore, wife of Russell C. Ashmore, Jr. from Taylors, and Dr. David Hayes, a 1988 North Greenville graduate and husband of Debbie Hayes from Monroe, N.C.
Ashmore, known to all as Mama Ruth, had the life goal of making sure anyone who came in touch with her would be well fed before leaving her sight. She was a member of Taylors First Baptist Church for 56 years.
The Ashmores have been long-time faithful North Greenville supporters, both financially and through selfless service. She has four children, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Ashmore died in October last year, just after celebrating her 65th wedding anniversary in October. A generous financial contribution was bequeathed to NGU’s Christian Ministry Scholarship Fund to support scholarships for students entering the ministry.
Hayes grew up in the Blue Ridge community and earned his associate’s degree from North Greenville in 1988. He held youth ministry and pastorate positions in Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Hayes was a faithful financial supporter of NGU. In addition, he also served as Director of Development at NGU from 2002-2005. Hayes died in January 2016. His daughter, Lydia Grace, is a sophomore at NGU.
Other awards presented:
• Bon Secours/St. Francis Health Healthcare System was presented the Foundation Corporation Award. This award is given to an organization whose support and influence have served to enhance the heritage and uphold NGU’s mission.
• Bea Dillard, Spartanburg, was presented The Tip of the Sword Award recognizing those who have made a significant contribution to NGU through their financial support, dedication, and passion regarding Crusader Athletics Dillard honored her deceased husband, Ray, with a monetary gift to the new baseball stadium.
• Weston Warren, retired faculty member, was presented the Faculty/Staff Heritage Award. Warren, or “Prof” as he is affectionately known on campus, taught Spanish and French at NGU from 1993 to 2013. As part of his teaching experience at NGU, Warren began taking students to Honduras on mission trips. A study abroad program began where students spend five weeks studying the Spanish language in Honduras and working on mission projects to witness to the Honduran people.
• W. Lee Capell, from Prosperity, received the Board Leadership Award presented to a university trustee whose support of NGU serves as an example to others. Capell, a graduate of the University of South Carolina and owner of ABS Environmental, spent nine years in the Navy flying F-14s where he had 250 carrier landings, and flew 27 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm. He just completed his first term with the NGU Board of Trustees in 2016. He is married to the former Gail Batchelor and they have two children, Will and Kitt.
The evening was filled with musical performances from the Cline School of Music faculty and students. Student artwork from the Art Department was also on display.