Valerie Gray Jordan '88 always knew she would major in science. She loved her AP Biology class at Bartlett High School and was certain she would one day go into medicine or wildlife research—she was fascinated with Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. But it was not until her senior year at Rhodes that she decided to become a veterinarian.

Growing up with a father in the Navy meant Val and her family moved frequently. They finally settled in Bartlett, TN, a suburb of Memphis, when she was in the 6^th grade. She had heard about Rhodes from friends and co-workers at a local restaurant, so knew of the college's stellar reputation. When it came time to select a college, a high school friend invited her to attend an admission open house on campus. The presentation was a good one. Being able to apply to Rhodes Early Decision sweetened the deal for Val as her family did not have the resources to finance an extensive college search. And the financial aid package she received from Rhodes enabled her to follow through with her science education.

Val's life as a Rhodes student included majoring in Biology, living on campus all four years, actively participating in Greek life as a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and as a Little Sister for Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and enjoying sitting by the Mississippi River. She worked on campus through work study and off campus at local restaurants. And, of course, she volunteered across the street at the Memphis Zoo.

One of Val's favorite memories of her time at Rhodes was participating in the Third Term class "Flora and Fauna" taught by Biology professors Dr. David Kessler and Dr. Alan Jaslow. "We sure packed a lot of learning and adventure into those six weeks!  We set up, completed, and presented a research project, learned a lot as we visited many different habitats, did a lot of hiking, and memorized everything we saw and heard! The whole experience was priceless, and I almost didn't even consider going since it cost some money both directly and indirectly in the loss of income I could earn during that time!  It was by far the most academically impactful experience of college." 

And her favorite Rhodes professors "Drs. Kessler and Jaslow! They truly seemed to embody Biology and really seemed to love it!"

When it came time to make a decision on life after Rhodes, Val had to make the choice between studying human or animal medicine. "I had thought perhaps I would take both entrance exams and apply to both then see what happened.  I was a bit naïve, I suppose, but it sounded good to me.

As it turned out I could not really afford to take both exams, so I made the decision to again put all my eggs in one basket, took the VCAT (Veterinary College Admission Test), and applied to the closest (and therefore cheapest/in-state) veterinary college! By the grace of God, it worked! God did have a lot to do with my journey."   

Val now serves as an associate veterinarian for a small animal veterinarian practice in Pennsylvania. This role has allowed her to provide excellent care to her patients and still give her home life full attention when she's there. She and her husband Tom, a regional bank president and athlete, have been married for 30 years and have two adult children, Joey (24), a new accountant who lives in Philadelphia, and Savannah (22), who is finishing college with plans to become a physicians assistant. "I have enjoyed being a mom, a vet, and athletic supporter. We are active with our church, Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center, Lifecycles, and ZOE International, an organization working to end child trafficking. And we love to travel and eat great food!"

Val's decision to include a scholarship in her estate plan fulfilled a desire that began in college. "By the grace of God, I was able to attend Rhodes due to grants, scholarships and subsidized loans. This financial aid funded my dream of graduating from college and becoming a veterinarian. Even as a student, I knew that I would pay it forward someday. I wanted to help provide the same exceptional science education I received to a young lady with meager means and scientific aspirations. By establishing a scholarship through my estate plan, I am able to do so."

The Valerie Gray Jordan '88 Endowed Scholarship will benefit future Rhodes women interested in pursuing a course of study in the natural sciences with demonstrated financial need due to limited parental financial support. By including Rhodes College in her estate plan, Val ensures future generations of Rhodes students will receive the same exceptional, dream-fulfilling education she received. For information on how you can easily include Rhodes College in your estate plans, contact Senior Gift Planning Officer Tracy Vezina Patterson '84, P'22, J.D. at [email protected] or (901) 843-3856.