Longtime Centenary University donors George W. and Nancy Johns Paffendorf wanted to find a lasting way to honor the inauguration of Bruce Murphy, Ed.D., as the University’s 14^th president earlier this year. They found an especially meaningful solution—posing a challenge match to support fundraising efforts for a new scholarship for Centenary’s Operation Centaur, a therapeutic riding program for veterans.

The Mount Olive couple decided to offer a challenge toward the fundraising effort, called “I Give A Buck,” emphasizing that modest efforts by a group of people can make a difference in the lives of others.

“Dr. Murphy and his wife, Jeanne, are both U.S. Army veterans who have been so supportive of Centenary’s many programs for active duty and retired military,” said Major Paffendorf (U.S. Army, Retired), who serves as the director of Operation Centaur, which is part of the university’s broader Therapeutic Riding at Centenary (TRAC) program, an equestrian program for at-risk youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. “Nancy and I wanted to honor their commitment to veterans by showing our support for this new scholarship, which will allow veterans to participate in Operation Centaur free of charge.”

Mrs. Paffendorf, who is a Centenary alum, added, “This program is a labor of love for George.”

The fundraising initiative—spearheaded by the university’s offices of Community Service, Veteran Relations, and Advancement—featured an educational service project, including two weeks of lectures focusing on posttraumatic stress disorder and other special needs of veterans, and concluding with a virtual walk to raise awareness and funding.

With a goal of $1,400 (for the 14^th University president) the Paffendorfs provided a $700 matching gift to encourage participation.

The initiative smashed the original goal, to date exceeding that amount by 467%—including a $2,000 contribution from another TRAC volunteer who wants to remain anonymous—and a surprising canine gift.

Guideaux, a Coton de Tulear owned by Dr. Murphy and his wife, Jeanne, made a lead gift of his own.

Inaugurated as Centenary’s 14^th president in January, Dr. Murphy is a U.S. Army veteran who retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Mrs. Murphy is also a U.S. Army veteran, who held the rank of colonel upon her retirement. Together, they have championed academic programs for veterans at Centenary, as well as Operation Centaur.

Dr. Murphy said, “Jeanne and I couldn’t be prouder to have this scholarship named in our honor. The veterans who enroll in Operation Centaur have served their country well. When they’re discharged, they need help re-establishing their lives. I’m proud that Centenary University is here to offer academic and therapeutic support to these brave men and women.” When asked to provide details about Guideaux’s generous contribution, Mrs. Murphy added, “Guideaux is a pretty modest guy, so he won’t publicly disclose the level of his support. Rest assured, he received a nice treat after announcing his intent.”