Gift & Estate Planning

Wayne Milton Kimberly

True College Experience Inspires Legacy Gift

Wayne Milton Kimberly, an Augusta, Ga., native, fondly remembers his days as a student at the University of Georgia before graduating in 1972 with his degree in sociology. He lived in Reed Hall, participated in football games on the quad, gained 15 pounds the first quarter and studied hard, while playing even harder.

Wayne vividly recalls receiving a call from his concerned mother about the reports being broadcast on Augusta television of rioting UGA students. To his mom's relief, Wayne was safely tucked in his dorm room.

Of course, curiosity and the possibility of missing some fun quickly took Wayne to the Arch to witness the 800-person riot in full progress. He described the riot as a peaceful mob of hippies with Dean Tate purposefully in their midst with love beads swirled around the dean's neck—just another college experience for Wayne, who never missed an opportunity to be involved in whatever activity was under way! Whether it was watching the Bulldogs play in Sanford Stadium, taking a road trip with friends or spending a Saturday night downtown, Wayne "always had a good ole time" with his friends at UGA. He was just a typical college student of the 1970s or even today.

For this typical college experience, Wayne Kimberly is most grateful. His most cherished memory from UGA is "that I was accepted for what I was"—a smart, funny and fun-loving guy who happened to have cerebral palsy. Wayne's condition requires assistance for his most basic needs, and he was attending UGA before the existence of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which now provides access and assistance for disabled students who want to complete their college studies.

Though his mother was sure he would starve those first few months, Wayne relied on his charming personality to win over friends who were always happy to help when needed. Always may be a bit of an exaggeration as Wayne laughs about his now-graying beard, which he began to grow as a student at UGA. "I had to ask my roommate or friends in the dorm to shave me, and one day they just refused and said, ‘We True College Experience Inspires Legacy Gift are not shaving you anymore.' It really made sense, and the more I can do for myself, the better I like it!"

This can-do attitude had Wayne borrowing class notes over weekends so he would have enough time to transcribe them by typing with his feet. He is grateful to all those friendly faces and helpful classmates who just treated him like one of the gang.

Wayne credits his parents and some special friends: the late Dr. and Mrs. Randall Couch (his "adopted Athens parents") and the late John McManus (his Reed Hall roommate) for helping him to make the most of his experience at UGA. He also credits his mentor and fellow UGA alumnus, Dr. Norman Pursley, for believing in his abilities and enabling him to have a truly enjoyable 30- year career with Gracewood State Hospital in Augusta.

Wayne's success has inspired him to create a legacy by including the Arch Foundation and the UGA Foundation as beneficiaries of his retirement plans. Wayne's gifts benefit not only UGA Disability Services, but also the unrestricted funds that will support all students on campus.

After all, Wayne Kimberly is a bulldog first and foremost, just like everyone else!

The information in this Web site is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.