A Gift of Ideas: Inspiring Minds for Generations

Cokie Roberts. James Carville. Bob Woodward.

These are just a few of the thought leaders who spoke at Asbury Methodist Village in the years after resident Bill Mullinix moved into the community in December 2017.

“It was a wonderful experience,” Bill recalls. “I couldn’t believe that this famous person was right in front of me.”

Bringing Distinguished Voices to Asbury

Wanting others to share that same excitement, Bill partnered with the Asbury Foundation to establish a $1 million endowment that will fund a new distinguished speaker program for generations to come. He also made an annual gift to ensure the program could begin immediately, sponsoring speakers until the endowment is fulfilled at the time of his passing.

The result is the William D. Mullinix Distinguished Speaker Series, which launched in 2024 with Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Capehart, a Washington Post and New York Daily News contributor, and MSNBC Anchor.

Building on that successful debut, the 2025 program drew a standing-room-only crowd to hear retired journalist Andrea Roane, who spent 30 years as a reporter and anchor for WUSA-Channel 9 in Washington, D.C. Familiar to many in the audience, Andrea had been a trusted voice in their homes for decades. She shared this advice on finding a life of purpose: “It starts with looking at whatever gives you joy and satisfaction. Then ask how you can share that joy with others. Don’t expect your gesture to make headlines. Just know that someone has been helped because you cared and acted.”

Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Benefits

This series adds yet another dimension to Asbury’s culture of lifelong learning. Residents already enjoy rich opportunities through the Keese School of Continuing Education and the Rosborough Wellness and Brain Health Center for Excellence. The addition of nationally recognized speakers strengthens that tradition, creating moments that are both intellectually stimulating and social.

For Bill, the joy lies in experiencing those moments alongside his neighbors. “I had no idea such a program existed,” he says, grateful to now take part in something he helped bring to life.

Research underscores the value of opportunities like these. For 25 years, Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine has studied a group they call “SuperAgers”—adults in their eighties and beyond who retain the cognitive abilities of people decades younger. Their findings point to several common traits: SuperAgers are highly social, maintain strong personal relationships, and, perhaps most importantly, never stop learning new things.

These findings highlight just how valuable Bill’s commitment is—not only in bringing thought-provoking speakers to Asbury but also in supporting a culture of connection and continuous learning across the community.

A Legacy of Giving

Bill’s giving doesn’t end with the speaker program. He also supports the annual Music for the Mission program, associate scholarships, and many other initiatives, including a charitable gift annuity he funded shortly after moving in.

Through these efforts, Bill’s impact reaches far into the community. His generosity enriches the lives of residents today while securing programs that will benefit the residents long into the future. And he hopes his example inspires others to do the same.

“I want Asbury to succeed in every way possible,” Bill says. “It’s a wonderful place.”