Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, has announced a $1 million gift from former DeLand resident Martha B. Apgar to fund scholarships, establish a lecture series, and renovate teaching space.

The gift, which was made in memory of LeRoy Lawson, a former member of the philosophy faculty and rector of a local Episcopal church who died in 2001, will support the Lawson Seminar and Reading Room, which was renovated with a portion of the gift and houses some of Lawson's personal books. In addition, the Lawson Lecture Series in Philosophy and Western Civilization will honor Lawson's commitment to scholarship and his interest in the synthesis of reason and faith, while the Lawson Endowed Merit-Based Scholarship Program will assist qualified students in philosophy or related fields such as religious studies, English, or history.

"I thank Stetson for the opportunity to honor Father Lawson, a great man and an extraordinary priest, in a way that reflects and promotes his enduring belief in the values of western civilization," said Apgar, who had been a member of his congregation. "With authority, humor, and gentleness, he encouraged me and countless others in the life-long pursuit of truth through reason and faith."