On behalf of Webb School, we would like to thank all of our current donors for their generosity and support. Here are some of their stories.

Jac Chambliss ‘27

“I graduated in the Webb Class of 1927. I had entered Webb in 1924 at the age of thirteen as a “Caesar” (a sophomore) and developed a talent for languages and literature--Latin, Greek and, of course, English,” says Jac.

“Upon graduation from Cumberland Law School, I joined the family law firm founded by my two grandfathers in Chattanooga. Except for two years as a navy gunnery officer in World War II, I have practiced law ever since.”

“Bena McVea and I were married in 1934 and have lived our lives together in Chattanooga. We have raised three children and now have eight grandchildren and one great grandchild who light up our lives. I have been active in the business community of Chattanooga, and Bena and I have both participated in the civic and religious life of our city. I have served Webb as a Trustee since 1953.”

“All three of my brothers attended Webb as well as did our son, John. Bena’s father, Dr. Charles McVea, Sr., had attended Webb at Culleoka and followed it to Bell Buckle.”

“Webb’s greatest gift to me was teaching the discipline of study and the ideals of integrity, perseverance, and self-reliance. Webb School means a lot to me and to my wife”.

In 1980, Bena and I decided that because of the ties both of our families have with Webb – both her father and I knew Old Sawney – we wanted to honor her father and Webb School. A charitable remainder unitrust appealed to us as the type of gift to meet our needs. We know that this gift will be to the benefit and well-being of Webb School as, eventually, the unitrust will fund the Charles McVea 1887 Scholarship Fund.”

Sam Mann ‘43

Sam H. Mann, Jr. ‘43 of St. Petersburg, Florida, executed a Charitable Remainder Unitrust, funded with securities valued at approximately $1,002,000, naming Webb School as the ultimate beneficiary. Through this unitrust, Mr. Mann is the current income beneficiary; his children are contingent successor income beneficiaries and the Webb School is the charitable remainder beneficiary. The majority of the Sam H. Mann, Jr. Unitrust will go into the endowment to benefit Mr. Mann’s scholarship fund, individual academic departments and the general endowment.

Sam Mann explains his motivation for making such a significant planned gift: “I could have named any number of other organizations as the recipient charity, but I chose Webb simply because it stood out foremost in my mind. Why? I spent four years at Webb, from the fall of 1939 to the spring of 1943. This was a time when youngsters are most impressionable. It’s also a time when their brains, personalities, beliefs and opinions as well as their entire future conduct are for the most part, formed. So it was with me. There isn’t a passing day that I don’t have reoccurring memories of the School of incidences that occurred, or even more importantly, a review of friendships that developed and have remained constant over these many years. It is an institution that probably did more for my benefit or to shape my future than any other with which I came in contact, either before or since. It seems to me, accordingly, that it above all the others is the most deserving. I am thoroughly convinced Webb has progressed (as it’s alums have) and has maintained its excellence. I think the School will be very much in existence down the road when it ultimately obtains the benefit of this gift, and this gives me a good feeling, knowing I have helped to perpetuate the institution for the benefit of all the fine young students who will be attending.”