On Oct. 24, 2024, Samford University and the surrounding city of Birmingham celebrated what would have been the 124th birthday of Ralph Waldo Beeson.
Beeson was a well-known and highly generous philanthropist, especially to Samford University, which received over $100 million throughout his lifetime, and even after his death, according to the Samford University Oral History Collection.
He also left the school an estate gift of $56 million, which is stated on Samford’s Founders and Benefactors page.
“It’s the Lord’s money. He gave me the gift of making it. I am not smart enough to make that much money on my own. It’s his money, and I am going to give it back to him,” said Beeson about his philanthropy according to Emma Stinton’s article, “A Samford Legacy”.
Beeson was raised in a Christian household that taught him the importance of such philanthropy. He began his journey as he worked alongside Frank Park Samford to build Liberty National Insurance.
Frank Park Samford was not only a founder of the company, but also a figurehead in the history of Howard College, which was later named Samford University after him.
This company “created work and wealth for many individuals, and with its products provided security to families far and wide,” says Samford University President, Beck Taylor.
When discussing his greatest contribution, many things come to mind.
“Perhaps his biggest contribution was in the example he set and the inspiration his generosity continues to provide,” said President Taylor.
According to many accounts, Beeson truly believed that it is important for people to give back and remain good and faithful Christian servants.
“Even though he was a multimillionaire he showed how important it was to be humble.” said Emma Stinton, in her article about Beeson.
In order to honor such a philanthropic individual, Samford University has erected a well-known Samford landmark, the Mr. Beeson statue.
It was built by Glynn Acree and installed on Oct. 24, 1988 for Mr. Beeson’s birthday.
Another way that Samford has honored him is by naming institutions and buildings that he helped to fund after him and his family, particularly his wife. Some of these were Beeson Divinity School, Beeson Woods, Orlean Beeson School of Education, Dwight M. Beeson Hall and more.
Ralph Waldo Beeson made a significant impact on Samford University through both his philanthropy and heart for the Lord and it is safe to say that Samford would not be the same place that it is today without his support throughout and after his lifetime.
