The late Dr. Kirkwood R. Balton was known for a number of corporate and philanthropic pursuits. Having earned his bachelor’s degree at Miles College in 1957, he began working for Dr. A. G. Gaston only two years later. He eventually was responsible for managing WENN-FM and became the chairman and CEO of Gaston’s insurance company before he retired in 2001.
Despite his ambitious corporate schedule, he managed to serve the Greater Birmingham Community by serving on many boards, and giving back in as many ways as possible. His Alma Mater, Miles College, was one of the places he spent countless hours of time and effort to further the mission of the institution.
Miles College had realized a surge of progress during the 1990s and was preparing for continued growth and success. The College launched the $10 million “Determining Our Destiny” capital fund campaign in 2000, with Dr. Kirkwood R. Balton, a Board of Trustee member, serving as campaign chairman.
Dr. George T. French, Jr., was the Director of Institutional Planning and Development at the time, and the primary coordinator of the Destiny Campaign. Working shoulder to shoulder with Balton, the campaign proved to be one of the most successful campaigns in the College’s history exceeding the initial goal.
As a part of the second annual George T. French, Jr. Lyceum Speakers Series, which will be held on Monday, February 23, in the Brown Hall Auditorium, at 11 a.m., there will be a dedication ceremony of the Kirkwood R. Balton Theater in the George T. French, Jr. Student Activity Center.
