A Legacy of Scholarship
/A life’s legacy is frequently defined by a person’s accomplishments and the impact they have on their community. Legacy is often distilled to professional credentials, positions of authority acquired, or the size of bank accounts.
Others would assert that a person’s true legacy, however, is much more than the outward trappings of success traditionally celebrated in our culture. There is a case to be made for defining a person’s legacy as:
“acts of kindness done well, and without expectation of reward or recognition, that find a special place in people's hearts and that are the most important.”
-Rhys Jack, “What is a Great Legacy?”
Mike Sollum (left) and Don Hubbs
By this definition, Mike Sollom and Don Hubbs left a legacy both impressive and transformational.
A key part of Mike and Don’s legacy came to fruition this summer when the Friends of Carl Sandburg Mike Sollom/Don Hubbs Scholarship Fund made its first two awards to a pair of accomplished local students who share Don and Mike’s passion for the natural world.
The scholarship fund was endowed by a bequest from the estate of Mike Sollum that also honored his long-time partner, Don Hubbs. The stated purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to a college student seeking to earn a degree in the fields of Conservation, Animal Science, or Parks and Recreation. The interests of the 2022 recipients fit this purpose perfectly.
This year’s recipients are Mike Keen and Hannah Queen.
Mike Keen with “Carl Sandbear” sponsored by the Friends of Carl Sandburg.
Mike Keen is a 2022 graduate of T.C. Robeson High School who completed his high school career with an outstanding academic record. As a member of the National Honor Society, Mike earned numerous awards and recognition for his participation and leadership in the school’s lacrosse program and symphonic band. Mike was also a state qualifier in Division 3A track and field.
Mike has been accepted to Lees-McRae College, located in Banner Elk and plans to pursue a degree in Wildlife Management; specifically, Wildlife Biology and Rehabilitation. His love for the outdoors and nature was cultivated through hikes with his father, a science teacher, with whom he shared his love of biology and natural sciences. His love for reading and academics were nurtured by his mother, an English teacher.
Given his interests, Mike feels that the scholarship award is particularly fitting. “I feel very passionate about the issue of conservation,” he explains. “There is a growing need for conservation and that certainly drives my interest in the subject.” When asked if he is hopeful about meeting the many challenges facing the planet and environment, Mike is refreshingly optimistic. “Absolutely. There is a challenge but I think we can rise to meet it.”
Hannah Queen is a 2022 graduate of Henderson County Early College, earning an associate degree in Science in addition to receiving her high school diploma. As senior class president and the recipient of the 4-H Volunteer Award, Hannah maintained an outstanding grade point average while remaining highly active in community volunteer programs.
Inspired and guided by the hard work and determination required to raise and show Boer goats, Hannah plans to enroll and pursue a degree in Animal Sciences from Clemson University. Hannah intends to earn a degree in Veterinary Medicine and own and operate a veterinary clinic. Surrounded by supportive friends and parents, Hannah remains dedicated to volunteering both locally and abroad to help orphans and others in need.
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John Berglin, member of the Friends of Carl Sandburg Board of Directors, says that the scholarships are intended to help preserve the legacy of Carl and Lillian Sandburg and their specific interests. “The mission of FOCS is to support the cultural and educational activities at the Park. Our hope is that the scholarships will help continue the legacy of Carl Sandburg by assisting local students who plan to study subjects that reflect the interests of both Carl, Lillian, and the Carl Sandburg Home.”
The Friends group also provides support to Carl Sandburg Home in a number of other ways. They sponsor several events including the Sandburg Music Festival on Memorial Day, Christmas at Connemara, and Summer Sing-a-longs at the park’s amphitheater. The Friends also provide funds that help support the Sandburg goat herd. On the education front, the Friends sponsor the monthly writing workshops offered through the park and also fund an Education Intern each year. The intern is a local educator hired to develop educational programming and on-site and follow-up activities for school groups that visit the Sandburg Home throughout the year.
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Legacy, often associated with death, is in truth very much about life and living. Ultimately, Mike Sollom and Don Hobbs’ legacy in our community will be their final act of gentle kindness and extreme generosity given without the expectation of reward or recognition. Their legacy will be the many gifts their kind hearts and gentle souls have facilitated - including these scholarships in their names - to help improve our world for generations to come.
Read the full story of Mike and Don that led them to make this gift here.
For more information about how you can support The Friends of Carl Sandburg Mike Sollom/Don Hubbs Scholarship Fund or other ways you can support this mission, please visit our donations page at https://friendsofcarlsandburg.org.
For more information about the Carl Sandburg National Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm.
