People
April 19, 2010
'Gratitude' motivates Candler gift
Gladys and Herchel Sheets (Photo: Cindy Brown)
Candler School of Theology alumnus Herchel Sheets ’52T has established an endowment to support programming at the school in his wife’s honor.
The Gladys Mallard Sheets Endowment for Methodist Studies will provide resources for Candler’s Office of Methodist Studies.
Gladys Mallard and Herchel Sheets met while students at Berry College in Rome, Ga., and were married three months before he enrolled at Candler School of Theology. He went on to serve for 50 years as a minister in The United Methodist Church, from 1949 to 1999.
“Gladys has been with me every step of the way through all the years, generally standing in the background, playing a supporting role, without claims for attention or recognition,” Sheets says.
On May 28, 2009, the Sheets celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, and Herchel Sheets decided to establish a program endowment at Candler in his wife’s name to honor her for her love and support.
“Gratitude is the primary motivating factor in this gift. Gratitude for Candler School of Theology’s contributions to our life and ministry, and gratitude because of the person in whose honor it is given,” Sheets says. “We are not giving this gift because we know we will never need the money for any other purpose. We are giving in simple trust in God’s provision for whatever needs we may have in the future.”
Anne Burkholder, associate dean of Methodist Studies and professor in the practice of Ecclesiology and Church Leadership, says the gift strengthens Candler’s United Methodist identity and supports United Methodist students preparing for ministry
“The Sheets Endowment will provide the financial basis for greater opportunities and exposure to the church through extracurricular events and resources that we have not had in the past. I am deeply grateful to Herchel and Gladys for their love for the church and their desire to undergird our work at Candler,” Burkholder says.
The Sheets’ gift is part of Campaign Emory, a $1.6 billion fundraising endeavor that combines private support and the University’s people, places and programs to make a powerful contribution to the world.
—Staff Reports
