Ed Maggard, Class of 1969, knows firsthand the opportunity higher education unlocks for each student. With a degree in Business Administration, Ed was able to pave a new path for his future that would one day include a highly successful real estate career in Lexington, Ky., and a very blessed life.
“Being from the mountains of eastern Kentucky as well as a below average student, my EKU experience offered me a new respect for and perspective on life,” said Maggard. “My degree was both an educational and social gift, along with hot showers and a clean living environment.”
Maggard was born in Jenkins in 1945, to Ed and Iva Maggard. His father passed away when he was only 7 years old. Although his mom offered a stable and loving home, he struggled throughout his early years. Maggard remains proud of his eastern Kentucky heritage and knows the goodness, beauty and potential that exists.
Now Maggard and Ann, his wife of 46 years, want youth from Letcher County who just need a "leg up", to succeed as he did and to dream what is possible. They established the Ed and Ann Maggard Letcher County Endowed Scholarship fund in 2019, and have recently fully funded the endowment totaling $25,000 in donations. The Maggard’s are committed to supporting students from Whitesburg that are in a similar financial situation to that which Ed experienced at their age - those who may need this extra support to give them the financial confidence to take this important step. His sister, Jolinda Maggard Wright, still resides in Whitesburg and both loves and serves the community to this day.
“This donation will give many Letcher County natives the opportunity to pursue their dreams and unlock a potential they may not have recognized in themselves,” said Melinda Murphy, EKU’s director of gift and estate planning. “We are so thankful for the generosity shown by the Maggard family. Their legacy will live on through the students they support for generations to come. It is always heartwarming to see alumni give back so others can receive the life changing experience that is higher education.”
Ed and Ann are faithful members of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lexington, Kentucky and have two sons, Eddie (Lexington, KY) and Michael (Asheville, NC) and three adorable grandchildren, Bowen, Reese and Max.