Faulkner University mourns death of namesake trustee
MONTGOMERY, Ala — Faulkner University lost a friend, leader and benefactor with the Aug. 22 death of James H. Faulkner, a longtime trustee for whom the university is named.
A newspaperman, entrepreneur, politician, philanthropist, husband, father and grandfather, Faulkner played many roles and left an indelible impression on everyone he met, university officials said. He was 92.
In his five decades as a member of the Board of Trustees, Faulkner played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of Faulkner University, aiding the university in evolving from a two-year junior college to a four-year university with graduate programs and a law school. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the law school and was a generous financial supporter who helped to make possible much of the progress experienced by the university in the last 20 years.
“For half a century … he manifested a sustained interest and vital involvement with the university,” Faulkner President Billy D. Hilyer said.
The late V.P. Black once said of his friend, “There was a time when Faulkner University had some severe financial problems. I am convinced that if it had not been for Faulkner’s concern for the school and his generous spirit, there might not be a Faulkner University today. It is only fitting that the school should bear his name.”
He was a member of the Bay Minette, Ala., church for 72 years and served as an elder and treasurer for 50 years.
A newspaperman, entrepreneur, politician, philanthropist, husband, father and grandfather, Faulkner played many roles and left an indelible impression on everyone he met, university officials said. He was 92.
In his five decades as a member of the Board of Trustees, Faulkner played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of Faulkner University, aiding the university in evolving from a two-year junior college to a four-year university with graduate programs and a law school. He was instrumental in the acquisition of the law school and was a generous financial supporter who helped to make possible much of the progress experienced by the university in the last 20 years.
“For half a century … he manifested a sustained interest and vital involvement with the university,” Faulkner President Billy D. Hilyer said.
The late V.P. Black once said of his friend, “There was a time when Faulkner University had some severe financial problems. I am convinced that if it had not been for Faulkner’s concern for the school and his generous spirit, there might not be a Faulkner University today. It is only fitting that the school should bear his name.”
He was a member of the Bay Minette, Ala., church for 72 years and served as an elder and treasurer for 50 years.
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