Hilda Burton Fountain ’29 poses with three of her 13 scholarship recipients.
The Age of Giving
Hilda Burton Fountain ’29 went to college back when students arrived with just one trunk of possessions, which was loaded on a dray and pulled by a horse to campus. Ask her what she majored in 80 years ago and she answers, "First I studied history, now I am history" without missing a beat.
On Oct. 25, 2008, Hilda became a centenarian. Living to be 100 has been an exciting milestone, "but not nearly as meaningful as helping students fulfill their dreams of going to college," says Hilda. She and her sons have created scholarship opportunities for 13 students so far.
Hilda, who was born in one of North Carolina’s poorest counties and graduated on the eve of the Great Depression, knows the challenges of affording a college education and pursing a career when unemployment is skyrocketing. Given the current economic crisis, the scholarship endowments established in her name are available at an especially important time for today’s students. The Hilda Burton Fountain Endowed Scholarship in History, created in 1999, was established by Hilda’s three sons to benefit undergraduate students. The Hilda Burton Fountain Fellowship in History, established in 2003 by Hilda herself, supports the educational goals of graduate students.
New times, similar challenges to meet
"I like that the university calls it the Students First Campaign. Scholarships are very important. Times are different from when I was in school, but a lot of the challenges are the same. Students just want the chance to make a contribution and have a successful life. I’m thankful I can help them do that."
One of the first female probation officers in the state, Hilda worked for the State of North Carolina for 25 years. After her husband’s passing in 1982, she’s remained active, volunteering at High Point Regional Hospital, serving as treasurer of her book club, and providing lunch for "the old people" at her church. "I don’t think much about being 100, but I do hope it tells students that they can have a very long and full life with plenty of opportunities to give back."