John Lovin Jr. ’52 had a successful career as the senior vice president of Torchmark Corporation, yet his community knew him for the constant service he gave to those around him.

Lovin continued his legacy of generosity through a significant bequest to the Nina Rae and John W. Lovin Endowed Fund, a fund he created in 1986 in honor of his parents.

This fund awards scholarships to Birmingham-Southern College students majoring in Fine and Performing Arts, and with Lovin’s newest donation, it has been expanded to include funding in support of the Music Department of the College.

A true Birmingham native, Lovin grew up in the College Hills neighborhood directly beside Birmingham-Southern, where he was able to witness the growth of both the city and the College.

Anne Morris Smith ’51, a close lifelong friend of Lovin, remembers playing on campus with Lovin as a child. “He was an only child, but he made friends quickly,” Smith says. “John always put others first, which was probably strongly influenced by his parents’ love of entertaining and taking people in.”

She remembers Lovin’s parents looking out for Birmingham-Southern students who did not have family living nearby, making sure they felt at home.

His parents were also influential in his passion for music and fine arts. Nina Lovin was an artist who encouraged her son to participate in organizations like the Birmingham Boys Choir. Lovin faithfully attended theatre performances and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra throughout his life.

A math major at Birmingham-Southern, Lovin went on to obtain his master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. He began his career at Liberty National Life Insurance, where he eventually became executive vice president.

Susan Anderson, whose husband, Charles Anderson, Jr., was a close friend and work associate of Lovin, considered him family. “He was always innovative,” Anderson says. “He brought in the first Amdahl computer to Birmingham, which completely modernized Liberty National.”

She also recalls Lovin’s work ethic, as he would work night and day. Any free time he had was spent making a difference in the community he loved.

“John had an incredible desire to make the world a better place,” says Canterbury United Methodist Church Associate Pastor Sam Williamson ’83. “He wanted to give back to the community that had given him so much. He gave unconditionally to many people and never did it for the recognition.”

Williamson came to know Lovin through Canterbury, where Lovin was a member his entire life. He was able to witness the committed, “can-do” spirit possessed by Lovin during his time spent volunteering with the Beeson Trust, established at Canterbury by the late Lucille Stewart Beeson (whose husband, Dwight Beeson, was also a Liberty National executive) to help senior citizens in the community.

Lovin used his intellect to assist low-income families with their taxes, receiving multiple medals from AARP for his service. “People got an extra service with John that I know other volunteers didn’t provide,” Smith says. “If they were unable to leave their home, he would personally go to their house, pick up the needed paperwork, and return it to them finished.”

Williamson recounts multiple instances when an individual’s need, for items such as a refrigerator or groceries, would be brought to Lovin’s attention, and he would have it delivered to their house anonymously.

Birmingham-Southern College remained important to Lovin throughout his life. Many of the items that he chose to surround himself with were representative of the College. His favorite chair was black with the BSC emblem proudly displayed, a gift he received when he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1996.

In addition to providing future students the opportunity to receive the quality liberal arts education Lovin was so proud of, the Nina Rae and John W. Lovin Endowed Fund will also allow the music department to make necessary updates in the Hill Music Building.

“John was a mentor, encourager, believer, hard worker, and giver, who gave not only monetarily, but also of his time,” Anderson says.

By leaving a bequest to Birmingham-Southern, Lovin was able to continue giving back to his community. Learn how to similarly make an impact on the College’s future generations here, or contact Meredith Wolfe Alsabrook, Director of Development – Planned Giving at [email protected] or (205) 226-4977.