Couple's Scholarship Fund Leaves Lasting Legacy for Davie County Students

Diana Springer Scholarship Trust has provided over $1.3 million in scholarships to 37 students since 2012.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:15pm

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For 14 years, Diane Foster has served as the trustee of the Diana Springer Scholarship Trust, which was established by Diana Springer's husband, David, in her honor after her passing. The trust has provided $1,319,286.45 in scholarships to 37 students from Davie County who were accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Though the trust has been dissolved, its remaining assets will continue at the Davie Community Foundation in an endowed fund, ensuring that the Springers' legacy of curiosity, learning, and opportunity will inspire future generations.

Why it matters

The Diana Springer Scholarship Trust reflects the Springers' lifelong advocacy for learning and their desire to support the educational pursuits of Davie County students. Even though Diana did not pursue a formal education, her intelligence, curiosity, and passion for knowledge shaped the life she led and inspired the couple's decision to establish the scholarship fund. The trust's enduring impact demonstrates the power of private philanthropy to open doors and change lives.

The details

The Diana Springer Scholarship Trust was established by David Springer in his wife's honor after her passing. Diana Springer was born into a wealthy family near London and was educated by governesses and private tutors. During World War II, she and her mother escaped the Blitz by securing passage to Australia, where she met David, who was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. The couple married in the Philippines and embraced a life filled with adventure, including farming and business ventures that reflected Diana's lifelong love of agriculture. The scholarship supports students from Davie County High School who are accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill during the first round of admissions, covering tuition and fees for four years.

  • The Diana Springer Scholarship Trust was established in 2012.
  • The trust has provided $1,319,286.45 in scholarships to 37 students since 2012.
  • The next drawing for the Diana Springer Scholarship will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026.

The players

Diane Foster

The trustee of the Diana Springer Scholarship Trust for 14 years.

Diana Springer

A woman born into a wealthy family near London who was educated by governesses and private tutors, and later married David Springer and embraced a life filled with adventure.

David Springer

Diana Springer's husband, who established the Diana Springer Scholarship Trust in her honor after her passing.

Wesley Sharpe

The president and CEO of the Davie Community Foundation, which will continue to administer the Diana Springer Scholarship Fund after the trust was dissolved.

Davie Community Foundation

The organization that will continue to administer the Diana Springer Scholarship Fund after the trust was dissolved.

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What they’re saying

“Her stewardship of the trust was especially meaningful given her personal connection to David and Diana Springer, whose generosity made this support for students possible.”

— Wesley Sharpe, President and CEO, Davie Community Foundation

“This ensures that students will continue to benefit, and that their legacy of curiosity, learning, and opportunity will inspire future generations.”

— Wesley Sharpe, President and CEO, Davie Community Foundation

“This memorable image, along with her energy, independence, and spirit of curiosity, continues to inspire those who knew her.”

— Wesley Sharpe, President and CEO, Davie Community Foundation

“Even today, Diana's adventurous spirit lives on, whether imagined in her signature outback hat riding across Point Farm or seen in the bold curiosity and courage of every student who carries forward the Springer legacy.”

— Wesley Sharpe, President and CEO, Davie Community Foundation

“We are proud to honor Diana and David Springer's legacy each year and to see their generosity open doors for Davie County students as they pursue higher education and embrace the opportunities ahead.”

— Wesley Sharpe, President and CEO, Davie Community Foundation

What’s next

The next drawing for the Diana Springer Scholarship will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 for students accepted into UNC-Chapel Hill during the first round of admissions.

The takeaway

The Diana Springer Scholarship Trust's enduring impact demonstrates the power of private philanthropy to support the educational pursuits of local students and honor the legacy of individuals who valued learning and curiosity. Even as the trust has been dissolved, its remaining assets will continue to inspire future generations through the Davie Community Foundation.