Building a Foundation

Ask John Barton '79 what led to a successful career in medicine and he'll tell you it was the foundation he built as a student at Centre. Sure, he spent many hours in science classes, but it was also the broad-based liberal education, the nurturing by talented professors, and the discipline of writing long research papers that made the difference. John attributes particular wisdom to a beloved chemistry professor: "Dr. Walkup always told us that you can't build a skyscraper on an outhouse foundation." Now a surgeon specializing in the care of high-risk pregnancies, John firmly believes that Centre students still need a solid foundation to prepare them for what lies ahead.

Which is why he focuses his giving to Centre on programs that give students broad and deep experiences. In addition to building the Walkup-Barton Summer Science Fund (supporting faculty-student research), he has also committed to endowing the College's annual undergraduate symposium on Research, Internships, and Creative Endeavors (RICE). To make sure these efforts are permanent, he has also provided for Centre in his estate plans. Believing that Centre has served him well in his education, John is returning the favor, with enthusiasm. 

If you'd like to join John in providing solid foundations for Centre students, please contact Justin Ewing, J.D. at (859) 238-5522 or justin.ewing@centre.edu.