Supporters Like You

Blue Mountain College was woven into Rosemary Mace’s life long before she ever set foot on campus. A third-generation graduate, she grew up hearing stories of BMC from her grandmother, her mother, and two aunts, all alumnae. In fact, her grandmother believed so strongly in the college that she sent in a deposit the day her granddaughter was born, securing her place nearly two decades before she arrived.

At sixteen, Rosemary’s connection to Blue Mountain became real. Her mother, a 1955 graduate, was invited back to campus to speak at the May Day alumni meeting, and she traveled along from Connecticut to Mississippi. Outside her family, few people had ever heard of the college. Even her high school principal, who made a point of visiting every college his students attended, had to make the long drive to Blue Mountain. The journey itself felt like an adventure, and it offered her the chance to finally spend time with relatives who had always lived far away.

What made the biggest impression, however, was not the distance or the family history. It was the people. From the moment Rosemary arrived, she was struck by the warmth and friendliness of the students she met. By the time she returned home, she was certain of her decision. She was going to Blue Mountain College, and she has never regretted it.

Her years at BMC shaped her in lasting ways. Rosemary learned what leadership looks like in practice, grounded in service and responsibility. The honor code was not just a policy but a shared commitment that guided daily life. She fondly remembers climbing up to Broach for noon devotionals, where students themselves delivered thoughtful messages that brought faith and reflection into the middle of the day. She also discovered a broader sense of community through the Interfaith Club, where her Presbyterian background fit naturally alongside students of other traditions.

Perhaps most meaningful were the friendships Rosemary formed. At Blue Mountain, she built lifelong relationships with students from across the South and from around the world. Those connections broadened her perspective and deepened her understanding of people whose lives and experiences differed from her own.

Academically, her path evolved during her time at BMC. She entered planning to earn a Bachelor of Science degree, but by the end of her sophomore year, she shifted to a Bachelor of Arts, which required two years of a foreign language. That change led her to one of the most influential teachers of her life, Miss Bess Hutchins. Remembered as one of the finest educators she ever encountered, Miss Bess inspired both discipline and passion. There were mornings she rose at 4 a.m. to study harder for Spanish exams, motivated by a deep respect for her teacher’s high standards and dedication.

The Christian environment at Blue Mountain, combined with abundant leadership opportunities, prepared her well for both career and personal growth. She was challenged to work hard academically while fully engaging in campus life, lessons that stayed with her long after graduation. Looking back, she encourages current students to do the same. Study diligently, she advises, and take advantage of extracurricular opportunities that build leadership skills. Just as important, she urges students to broaden their horizons by forming friendships with international students and others whose life experiences differ from their own. At the time, she never imagined that her future husband would one day work for an Ecuadorian company, but she now sees how grateful she is for Miss Bess and those early Spanish lessons.

Rosemary’s gratitude for Blue Mountain naturally led to a desire to give back. Supporting BMCU, she says, is a joy rather than an obligation. The institution gave her an education, a broader worldview, and a strong foundation, and she values the opportunity to help ensure those same experiences remain available to future students.

Rosemary and her husband feel honored to contribute financially to a university that plays such an important role in the education of students across northeastern Mississippi. One story, in particular, reinforces her belief in the enduring reputation of Blue Mountain. Shortly after she married, she interviewed for her first job in Charlottesville, Virginia. The superintendent of schools told her she was hired not because she was the smartest candidate or because she held a master’s degree, but because, in his words, “Two of the finest women I know are graduates of Blue Mountain College.”

As Rosemary looks to the future, her hopes for BMCU are rooted in both growth and faithfulness. She wants to see the university continue to expand its academic offerings while remaining true to its Christian foundation. Becoming a university opens the door to a wider range of vocational paths for students, and she is excited to see how Blue Mountain will continue to shape lives for generations to come.

When we both felt the Lord calling us to BMCU to begin preparation for vocational ministry, we couldn’t have imagined the profound impact it would have on our lives. The educational experience we received was truly invaluable and unlike any other. BMCU didn’t just equip us academically; it nurtured our spiritual growth and prepared us for the realities of ministry in ways that continue to resonate with us today.

The university was instrumental in shaping us into the Christian leaders we are now. The faculty and staff invested deeply in us, offering mentorship that went beyond the classroom. We were part of a community that lived out Hebrews 10:24: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” This supportive environment challenged us to grow, to serve, and to lead with integrity and compassion.

For me, as a pastor, and for Stacy, as a pastor’s wife, the lessons learned and the relationships formed at BMCU have been foundational. We’ve been able to shepherd others with wisdom and grace, drawing upon the rich experiences and training we received during our time at the university.

That’s why we’re passionate about ensuring that others have the same opportunity. We believe in the power of collective giving. By coming together—even through small monthly contributions—we can make a significant impact. Your contribution to the General Scholarship Fund can help remove financial barriers for students who are eager to follow God’s calling, just as we did.

As it says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If you feel led, please consider joining in on this mission. Together, we can invest in the next generation of Christian leaders and make a lasting difference for the sake of the gospel.

Thank you for your time and consideration. May God bless you abundantly.

Until the Whole World Hears,

Jon Tyler R. White
Pastor, Jamestown First Baptist Church
Jamestown, Kentucky