Photo courtesy of Bramblett Group: Photo caption: (l to r) Gordon Rampy, Bert Rampy, Freda Hall and John R. Hall
Henderson — A dream begun years ago has been brought to fruition by a generous gift from a couple with a limited relationship with Freed-Hardeman University. Gordon and Bert (Bertha) Rampy, long-time friends of John and Freda Hall, recently provided funding for students majoring in music through the John and Freda Hall Scholarship.
Both Freed-Hardeman alumni, the Halls have served in various key roles for the university, including John’s founding and directing the A Cappella Singers. The John and Freda Hall Scholarship was founded by A Cappella Singers alumni Frank McMeen and Don Cross to honor their service. The Rampys’ recent gift to the scholarship fund was announced to the Halls as a Christmas message. In December, the Halls received a Christmas card from Wyatt and Wendy Rampy with a “Do not open ‘til Christmas” note attached. When the Halls opened it on Christmas as instructed, they read, “You talked to the right elf!” The note continued, “In the next few days, FHU will receive a check for your scholarship.”
The Rampy family has a long history of supporting Christian education. Gordon Rampy’s father, Thomas Randall Rampy, was instrumental in starting Northeastern Christian College and served as its chief financial officer. The World War II veteran was a major general in the United States Air Force who continued his service in Germany until the early 1950’s.
Gordon and Bert followed his father’s example and continued to support NCC. When that institution and Ohio Valley Christian College merged, they continued their support and Gordon served on their board of trustees. Today, Wyatt and Wendy Rampy are the third generation of the Rampy family to be involved with Christian education. Wyatt now serves on the President’s Council and College of Business Advisory Board at FHU.
In a conversation between Wyatt and his parents, Gordon happened to mention that they were looking for an opportunity to help a good cause before the end of the year. Fortunately, or perhaps providentially, Wyatt told them about the Hall scholarship, which was still not completely funded.
“For anyone to make a gift to our scholarship is extraordinary, but for you to influence your parents, Gordon and Bert, whom we have known for 35 years, to make such a substantial gift — Wow!” John Hall wrote to Wyatt and Wendy. “We are bereft of words to express our appreciation to you for being Santa’s elf at the right time in the right place.”
Gordon Rampy was the founder and chief executive officer of CHEMetrics, Inc., of Baltimore, Maryland. The company produces water and wastewater treatment kits based on his original invention, a self-filling reagent ampoule which allows analysts to work with greater convenience, speed and safety.
John Hall, grandson of FHU legend W.Claude Hall, has been a part of Freed-Hardeman for virtually his entire life. He and his mother came to Henderson in 1944 while his father served in World War II. They lived next door to his grandparents who took him to every campus event.
“From the beginning, if I could find or make an excuse to be on campus, I would make it happen. As soon as I got a bicycle in first grade, if I could walk or ride my bike — I was in,” Hall said. “If that didn’t work, I’d hitch a ride with Grandpa and Grandma.”
When the Henderson congregation’s meeting house was completed in 1947, it became the site of plenary sessions of the Annual Freed-Hardeman Bible Lectureship. “I recall to this day, the wonderful singing,” Hall said.
“Out of my 81 years,” Hall said, “seventy-nine have been in association with the school.” According to Hall, his career goals were met at age 24 when he and Freda were invited to join the FHC faculty. In addition to teaching, he was instrumental in establishing WFHC, the campus radio station. He also began the Madrigal Singers, which became the A Cappella Singers in 1970, as well as the annual Makin’ Music production. A Cappella traveled extensively both nationally and internationally for the next 10 years, until Hall left his position as director of alumni and public relations for FHU to work with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education in Washington, D.C. In 1987, he became the president of Northeastern Christian College, where the Halls began their long friendship with Gordon and Bert Rampy.
Today, Hall continues his support of a cappella music through I’ll Sing On, an umbrella organization for choral singers. With approximately 600 members from various choral backgrounds, the group may be found on Facebook. Just last summer, he initiated Hymnal of the Heart at FHU, a phrase coined by Dr. Bruce McLarty, FHU’s minister-in-residence. A second Hymnal of the Heart singing is planned for this summer, July 21-22, 2023. “As Hymnal of the Heart grows, we anticipate a strong emphasis on support of congregational singing,” Hall said. Information is available at facebook.com/groups/137537993858.
“Until the Rampy’s gift, this scholarship has been a ‘grass roots’ effort,” Hall said. “Additional funding would mean even greater scholarship support for FHU music majors.” Anyone who would like to support the John and Freda Hall Scholarship is encouraged to contact FHU’s Office of Advancement at 731-989-6017 or klamb@fhu.edu.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associates, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
