Our parents, Elton and Ruby Deanes, believed that education was the great equalizer.  Their dream was that all of their seven children would graduate from college.  Our father always said that he wanted his children to "push nothing heavier than a pencil".  They lived to see not only the dream fulfilled for their seven children, but also for their eleven grandchildren and the oldest great grandchild.  

Because of our parents dream, all seven of us graduated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.  Six of us graduated from  Jackson State University in Jackson, MS and one graduated from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis, TN .   

Our parents dreams didn't stop with their children.  Their descendants are graduates from Massachusetts  Institute of Technology, Washington University School of Law, LeMoyne- Owen College, Maryville University, Tennessee State University, Indiana University, Freed-Hardeman University, Mercer University, University of TN Health Science Center, Rhodes College, University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law , Vanderbilt University, Fisk University, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, University of Mississippi, Mississippi State University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Belmont University and Austin Peay State University.  All of us stand on the shoulders of our parents.  Elton and Ruby's descendants are presently or retired Accountants, Auditors, Quality Control Managers, Systems Analysts,  National Bank Examiners, Certified Public Accountants, Foreman, Finance Supervisor,  Attorneys,  Lab Testing Supervisors, Epidemiologists, Guidance Counselors, Pharmacists,  Nurses, Marketing Executive,  Neurosurgery Residents , Teachers and Study Technicians.   

As their heirs, our goal is to honor their legacy by paying it forward.  The Elton and Ruby Deanes "Pencil" Endowment fund is established to do just that,  assist students in graduating from college without excessive student loan debt.

Watch the video below to learn more about our fund.  

Click  here to read more on the  Impact of Student Loan Debt .

...Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his children begging bread.  Psalm 37:25