Blue and Gold Blue and Gold Winter Edition 2020 | Page 30

In Memoriam Our giving societies represent donors whose support has transformed Bluefield State College and its mission. Here we honor and remember our classmates and friends who have passed on. If you know of someone, please send us the relevant information to: alumniaffairs@bluefieldstate.edu. In celebrating the 125th, Bluefield State College has created three societies in which you can support the college, see below. Centenarian Alumna Passes Irma Black Thompson Irma Blake Thompson, Class of 1938, passed away at her hometown of Buena Vista, VA, on December 26, 2019. After receiving her degree from what was then called the Bluefield Normal College, Mrs. Thompson had been an educator for many decades. She was a public school teacher for 35 years, then spent seven years supervising student teachers for Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA. Mrs. Thompson was also active in her community serving on various boards and government organizations, honored often for her service. She was often heard saying, “I’ll wear out, but I won’t rust out.” 125th challenge The 1895 Society The President’s Circle The Hamilton Hatter Society BECOME A DONOR TODAY! Ways you can give: • Make checks out to BSC Foundation • Online at www.bluefieldstate.edu/make-gift The Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs BLUE AND GOLD challenge • Text GIVE to 304-223-4449 Mail checks to: 30 1895 - Join the 2020 125th • CashApp to $BSCAdvancement Mrs. Thompson is survived by two sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild. Her husband John William Thompson preceded her in death. Mrs. Irma Blake Thompson with Dr. Deir- dre Guyton, Director of Alumni Affairs. CELEBRATING 125 YEARS 219 Rock Street Bluefield, WV 24701 Throughout its 125 years, Bluefield State College has remained true to its mission of serving the underrepresented and challenging students to reach their potential. Since its founding in 1895, Bluefield State continues the legacy of making a high- quality and affordable education accessible for our local, regional and global communities. Join us as we proudly celebrate our first 125 years and look with sanguinity to the next 125. TOGETHER, WE CAN ENSURE ANOTHER 125 YEARS TO COME! WINTER 2020 31