7 Generations of Philanthropy
If you ever wondered what seven generations of philanthropy looks like, it’s this photo — even though there are only five of us standing there.
Let me walk you through the math.
In the center is Retired Marine Major General Bob Dickerson. His great‑grandfather, Rev. Spiers, helped found my alma mater, Chowan University.
From Rev. Spiers (Generation 1)
to Bob’s grandparents (Generation 2)
to Bob’s parents (Generation 3)
to Bob himself (Generation 4)
to a Chowan alumna like me (Generation 5) —
that’s four generations of one family’s commitment changing the life of a generation outside their bloodline and beyond their lifetime.
Now add the next two.
When Bob and his wife Karin (white blouse) retired from the Marine Corps, they made the Crystal Coast of NC their home. They did what his family has done for generations. They invested themselves deeply in their community.
The Carolina Museum of the Marine.
The New River YMCA.
And One Place.
Which brings us to the two leaders standing with us: Dawn Rochelle, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer, and Ann Marie Raymond, Chief Advancement Officer of One Place. Their vision and leadership brought us together 4 years ago to take an audacious idea and make a tangible community asset. On the day of the picture we gathered for a tour of that place---One Place’s new home --- a custom‑built, trauma‑informed, aspirational space designed for the children and families of Onslow County.
Two Child Advocacy Centers.
Outpatient mental health treatment.
Training and education space.
Room for staff supporting parents, children, and caregivers.
In a county with the highest birth rate in North Carolina, One Place is where today’s young families (Generation 6) find support, stability, and hope — and where the impact will reach children yet unborn (Generation 7).
This is what generational philanthropy looks like.
Not lineage.
Not bloodlines.
But a long, steady chain of people who choose to invest in the wellbeing of others.
And I’m grateful to stand in that line.
