Paul '71 and Patricia Rundell Bell '72
SU major: Psychology & Sociology (Paul), Elementary Education (Patty)
Career path: Psychology professor (Paul), Elementary teacher (Patty)
Gives to support: Student Scholarships and Faculty
Both Paul and Patricia Rundell Bell knew that they wanted to attend a small Texas university in order to make the most of their college experience. When Southwestern offered each of them a significant first year scholarship, their decision was sealed. Additionally, Patty's aunt, Ida May Rundell Cooper '42, had attended Southwestern, and shared wonderful memories with them. Two cousins and a niece attended also.
Paul and Patty were active, engaged students. Paul was a member of Student Congress, a student liaison to the Board of Trustees, worked at the front desk in the men's dorms, and worked in the Commons, catering special events. Meanwhile, Patty sang in the SU choir and acted in many Mask and Wig productions.
The Bells believe that they obtained a wonderful education and career start at SU, and Paul and Patty say that they want to give back so that others will receive the same. During their lifetime, the Bells have established multiple endowed scholarships to help students create their own SU experience. In addition, they have planned to create an endowed chair in their estate. Paul and Patty understand the importance of endowed chairs in recruiting and retaining the highest-quality faculty. As a retired college professor himself, Paul knows firsthand the greatest institutions have the best minds, the most-creative researchers and the most-engaged teachers. Building an exceptional base of faculty talent enriches the academic environment, which attracts the brightest students. Paul and Patty believe that "It is not just the knowledge that one needs; it is the ability to think, adapt, and grab on to an idea and make it work for you. That is what we learned at SU and that is what we hope will still be important. That is what inspires us to give back."
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