Published on January 23, 2024 by Sharon Smith and Scarlet Thompson  
Trudy Cathy White

Samford alumna Trudy Cathy White, the only daughter of Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, will be returning to Birmingham to share an inspirational message at the Legacy League’s annual Scholarship Luncheon on February 14.  The annual event, which is open to the public, will be held at a country club in Vestavia, near the university.

White, who just released the book A Legacy That Lasts, opened Birmingham’s second Chick-fil-A restaurant, making her one of the youngest operators in company history.  She and her husband John then served with the International Mission Board for two decades and managed WinShape Camps for Girls among other endeavors. 

“With her godly parents, Truett and Jeanette Cathy, as models, Trudy has sought to honor the Lord with her life.  She has wonderful stories to share after spending decades as a missionary, camp director, mother to four and grandmother to 16,” said Julie Taylor, First Lady and executive director of the Samford Legacy League.

2024 Scholarship Luncheon Committee2024 Scholarship Luncheon Committee

The scholarship luncheon is open to the public, but reservations are required.  Tickets are $55 each, and proceeds benefit the Legacy League’s fund to assist students who have endured challenges including homelessness, inner city violence, death or disability of a parent, and abandonment.  To date, more than $1.5 million has been given in scholarships through the philanthropic organization.  The Legacy League has over 800 members ranging in age from 22 to 102.

“Membership is open to anyone who cares about changing lives through scholarships and being part of a caring community,” said Taylor. “We offer meaningful and manageable opportunities to get involved, whether you have lots of time or a little, live nearby or far away.”

Make reservations for the Legacy League’s luncheon.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.