Student recipients of many of Virginia Wesleyan College's 181 named endowed scholarships had a unique opportunity to meet the people behind those scholarships at the Scholarship Recognition Dinner held at Boyd Dining Hall on Thursday, November 11.
By Leona Baker | November 17, 2010
Approximately 90 scholars and 60 donors gathered along with faculty and staff both to honor the generous benefactors whose contributions are so important in helping students reach their academic potential and to recognize the dedication and hard work of the bright young recipients of these scholarships. Scholars were seated with their respective donors and enjoyed dinner and companionship before hearing from several guest speakers.
VWC President Billy Greer gave the opening remarks, focusing on the theme of gratitude.
"This is a time to enjoy each other's company and learn about one another," said President Greer, "and a time to be thankful for the many gifts we have been given."
Mita Vail, Vice President for College Advancement, was the evening's host, introducing the two donors and two scholars who served as guest speakers. The first speaker was Dick Wright, representative of the Gladys H. Wright Endowed Scholarship, named for Wright's mother. Wright's family established the Lake Wright Hotel located just minutes from the Wesleyan campus.
The second speaker, Henry Watts, is a member of the Wesleyan Board of Trustees, and the namesake, along with his wife, of the Eleanor and Henry Watts Endowed Scholarship.
"It gives us a great sense of giving back, especially when we think of the many people who helped us when we were younger," Watts told guests. "There is no question that education is the ever-present force behind success, and we want our young people to be successful."
"There is no question that education is the ever-present force behind success, and we want our young people to be successful." --Henry Watts
Two students also spoke at the dinner: Travis Matthew DeGraphenried '12, recipient of the Charles M. and Genevieve W. Lankford, Dr. Herbert W. and Rebecca S. Rogers, and A. Kenneth Scribner, Sr. Endowed Scholarships; and Stephanie Foster Drinkard '12, recipient of the Barton Heights United Methodist Church Endowed Scholarship.
Of the College's $47.1 million endowment, $27.8 million is designated for endowed scholarships. These scholarships represent an essential component of the financial aid options available to students who qualify for them. Ninety-five percent of VWC students receive some form of financial aid.
Alumni, friends, parents, companies and foundations establish named endowed scholarships for many reasons—to honor loved ones, recognize what the College has meant to them, give back to the community, show appreciation to favorite professors or support programs of special interest. For information on establishing an endowed scholarship at Virginia Wesleyan, please contact Suzanne Savage, Associate Vice President for College Advancement, at ssavage@vwu.edu.