Alumnus Invests in Future Adult Learners

James Bigam (SOBM ’04) grew up in Alabama in the 1960s. Drawn to opportunities to serve his country and travel the world, James joined the United States Army and soon found himself stationed in Korea where he received some life changing advice.

“I was a hard-headed G.I. without a real plan for my life. I was lucky enough to get encouragement from leadership to get my college degree and build a career that I could take from the military into civilian life.”

National University made it possible for James to study at any hour of the day or night and earn a career-relevant degree. “I traveled a lot with the military, but National University never allowed me to feel alone and even gave me a scholarship.”

This philanthropic gift was something James never forgot, and it influenced his plans later in life. After 21 years, James retired from the U.S. Army and launched a very successful career with the U.S. Department of Defense as an Ordnance manager responsible for investigating accidental ammunitions explosions.

“It’s the absolute truth that if it hadn’t been for my National University degree, I wouldn’t have been able to compete for the job. I applied and was hired in one day.”

Now, 20 years later, James retired from the DoD and finds himself wanting to give back and support other military affiliated students at NU. By including National University in his estate plans, James will fund a named scholarship to support NU students and will recognize his father’s, stepfather’s, and his own service to the U.S. Army.

In appreciation for his abundance of good fortune, James is happy to support others who follow in his footsteps saying, “It’s more about the heart.”

Provide a Future of Promise

Making a gift in your estate plan like James ensures National University can help future students envision their own bright futures. Contact the the Development Office at (858) 642-8942 or development@nu.edu to discuss a gift that meets your charitable and personal goals.