Queens Connections Span Generations
For Abby Tolar ’17, Queens University of Charlotte wasn’t originally on her college radar. Growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, she was eyeing schools throughout the state—until her neighbor, Jean Blaylock ’60, encouraged her to look at Queens.
“Ms. Jean lived across the street from my parents,” Abby recalls. “For most of my childhood, she was the kind neighbor who always checked in on us and brought goodies over for the holidays.”
An educator and devoted Queens alumna, Jean Blaylock left her mark in many thoughtful ways—one of which was encouraging Abby to consider her beloved alma mater.
“At the time, I mostly thought about visiting Charlotte for the shopping and to see SouthPark,” Abby admitted. “But during my campus tour, Queens quickly became a top contender on my list.”
What sealed her decision was Queens’ generous scholarship support, including the very fund Jean and her husband had established to help students like Abby— the Carl and Jean Taylor Blaylock ’60 Scholarship.
“Scholarships were absolutely a deciding factor for me,” Abby said. “I was honored to participate in the Scholarship Weekend for Queens’ most competitive awards. Because of the generous scholarships I received, I could fully enjoy the college experience without worrying about student loans.”
Abby was also surprised to learn that Queens provided additional funding for unique learning opportunities—including study abroad. With that support, she shared that she was able to attend the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She once reflected on the experience, “Attending this historic event, being fully immersed in a completely different culture, and having the opportunity to enhance my digital media skills was an unforgettable experience.”
As a student, Abby truly embraced everything Queens had to offer. The smaller campus size and close-knit community allowed her to lean into leadership roles that shaped her personally and professionally.
“Queens offers ample programming, and due to the smaller campus size, offers more leadership opportunities than most schools,” she said. Abby became an Executive Officer in Alpha Delta Pi—the same sorority Ms. Jean had been a member of decades earlier—as well as joining Sigma Alpha Pi, Order of Omega, Mortar Board, and Lambda Pi Eta.
“Being able to dive into so many different clubs and organizations, keep up with coursework, and maintain a social life effectively prepared me for post-grad life and all the competing priorities that come with it,” she said.
Through Queens’ strong internship program, Abby explored five cross-industry internships, including the one that would become her career home. “One of my internships was with Colonial Life Insurance, where I still work today,” Abby said. She started as a marketing and communications intern, moved into a role as a sales communication manager, and now serves as a program manager, leading the national experience strategy for 24,000 brokers.
But all of this—her Queens education, career path, and the lifelong friendships she built—traces back to a simple suggestion from the neighbor who once crossed the street with holiday treats.
“Queens is a hidden gem that I would’ve never known about without Ms. Jean,” Abby said. “Thanks to her, I had a remarkable four years in Charlotte, learned so much, launched my career, made the best memories, and developed deep friendships.”
When Jean Blaylock passed away in May, her family directed memorial gifts to Queens and her church—a fitting tribute to a life filled with service and generosity. For Abby, making her own first gift to Queens in Jean’s memory felt both natural and deeply meaningful.
“When Ms. Jean passed away, it was a natural inclination to make a donation to the school that bonded both of us,” Abby said. “I hope my contribution can support an unforgettable college experience and launchpad to life for other students, too.”
Their story is more than a sweet coincidence—it’s a testament to the connections that span generations at Queens. The story of Abby and Ms. Jean reminds us that Queens is Ever Rising, carried forward by the care of those who came before and the promise of those who follow.
As Abby so simply and beautifully put it: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ms. Jean—and without Queens.”
You Can Shape the Next Story
Whether you have had a “Ms. Jean” in your life or found your own path to Queens, you can help ensure our students are ready to meet the moment—just as Abby did, thanks to Jean’s encouragement and generosity. Make your gift by June 30 at www.queens.edu/give to be a part of shaping the next generation of Royals. Every dollar, every donor, makes a difference.
If you have questions about how we can help you meet your philanthropic goals, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at 704-337-2505.
We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones who had the pleasure of knowing Jean Blaylock ’60. She was a Royal through and through and truly embodied our motto: not to be served, but to serve. She served on her reunion committees throughout the years, was a member of the Alumni Association Board, hosted local events, supported the Queens Fund for decades, and included Queens in her estate plans. Through generosity and support like Jean’s, we can continue to tell stories like Abby’s. Jean’s legacy will live on at Queens forever.
Feature image by Tricia Coyne