On Friday, October 4, Central Methodist University kicked off its Homecoming Weekend festivities by recognizing one of its most dedicated and generous alumni, as President Roger Drake bestowed the fourth-ever President’s Medal on Earl Bates, class of 1961.
Given at the discretion of the President, the medal is awarded to individuals who have contributed significantly of their time, talent, or treasure to enhance the University and whose contributions have made an impact on the campus, students, faculty, and staff.
“I simply don't have time to talk about all of the giving and all the service that Earl and Linda have done for this university and for our students,” Dr. Drake said of the award recipient and his wife. “I don't even have the appropriate time to tell them fully how much they mean to Central Methodist and how much they mean to me personally.”
Drake took time to mention several aspects of the Bates family’s contributions to the University over more than 65 years, calling Earl one of “the very most generous contributors to Central Methodist.” Bates has served as a fundraising alumni volunteer, a member of multiple committees, and a member of the board of trustees for nearly a decade.
“This couple does so much for Central,” Drake continued. “They do so many things where we can’t put their name on a wall. Earl has said to me before, ‘I don’t really enjoy giving to buildings and campaigns nearly as much as I love giving to students, people, and programs.’”
The president emphasized one such instance, namely the opportunities the Bates family has provided to Central’s music students, funding week-long choir tours as well as trips to Kansas City to witness professional opera and symphony performances.
“These students have amazing experiences and it’s due entirely – not just in part, but in whole – to the generosity of the Bates family,” said Drake.
Bates, accompanied by his wife Linda, also known as Sunny, addressed the crowd which included the three previous recipients of the President’s Medal – J.B. Waggoner ’91, Fred Alexander ’58, and Whitney Kerr. He thanked Drake and his longtime friend Bob Courtney, and told of his experience in coming to Central, saying that college had been the “furthest thing” from his mind, but he eventually found a home on the Fayette campus.
“This place changes lives. It opens opportunities from a perspective of a pretty limited horizon,” Bates said. “From somebody that had no plan for their life, I found it here.”
He went on to describe his and Linda’s dedication to acquiring and restoring the Coleman House on behalf of the University, which he believes should always remain part of Central. Bates then wrapped up his remarks by thanking the many friends in attendance, noting that the couple knows more people in Fayette than anywhere else they go.
“We live in Montana, and the ranch is in Oregon,” Earl said.
“But our heart is here,” Linda finished.