Mr. Thomas Baskins gives because he was able to attend the University of Arkansas and feels that he should reach out and help others in their struggle to graduate. He served two and a half years in WWII and was compensated for his service, which he used to go back to school. Baskins started out working on a farm and picking cotton, now he is able to donate $1,000 to his alma mater a year and donates to the University of Arkansas. In being asked what he is thankful for, he said, “I am thankful for every day that I am allowed to see. I am in my mid-80s and I just thank God for his blessings.”
When asked what advice he would give to young African-American students struggling to stay in school, Baskins replied, “They just have to keep their minds and be faithful and keep going and do whatever they can.”
Baskins will turn 87 on Nov. 22, and on behalf of the Black Alumni Society, we would like to wish him a very happy birthday!
