SC Receives $400K Donation Through JoAnn Newman Trust

Attorney Otis Morrow presents a check from the JoAnn Newman Trust to Southwestern College President Brad Andrews, Ronnie Jenkins, retired gift officer at Southwestern College (back left) and Pat Wagner, vice president for institutional advancement (back right). (Photo courtesy Southwestern College)

The trust of a Southwestern College graduate who died last fall made a big donation to the school this month, according to a news release from Southwestern.

Through the donation of the JoAnn Newman Trust, Southwestern College is the recipient of nearly $400,000 to establish Endowed Scholarships in memoriam of Mrs. Newman, who was a 1952 graduate of Southwestern College and passed away in November of 2020. 

The trust also made a similar donation to Cowley College in August.

“I am always humbled by thoughtful estate gifts like the recent gift from the JoAnn Newman Trust,” said Pat Wagner, vice president for institutional advancement. “Southwestern College is honored to be part of the legacy left by JoAnn Newman. Her bequest will support students of Southwestern as well as opportunities in both instrumental and voice music at the college.

“A true Builder, Mrs. Newman’s philanthropic gifts will make a transformative difference, building up numerous organizations and institutions in our community.”

Through the JoAnn Newman Trust, additional funds were donated to First Presbyterian Church of Arkansas City, Cowley College, Winfield High School and Arkansas City High School music departments, Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor, and the Arkansas City Area Arts Council.

JoAnn was born June 20, 1930, in Winfield to Fred and Marie Johnson.

She was a graduate of Winfield High School and earned her college degree in public school music from Southwestern College. She married William S. Scott in 1952. Mr. Scott died in 1991. She later married Earl G. Newman who died in 1996.

JoAnn was a talented viola player and provided private lessons with this instrument as well as voice.

“The gifts Mrs. Newman left to the Southwestern will strengthen will directly benefit our students for generations to come,” added Southwestern College President, Brad Andrews. “She was a Builder who cared deeply for our college and community; we are so very grateful to her.”