West Virginia University students will benefit from a $2 million planned gift by alumni Paula and Keith Lilly. The funds will establish scholarships for students in education, engineering, nursing, and oral health care programs.
The Lillys met at WVU and graduated in 1981. Keith earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, while Paula received her degree in dental hygiene. Their donation will be divided into four $500,000 gifts to support the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, WVU School of Nursing, and WVU School of Dentistry.
Pedro Mago, Dean at the Statler College, expressed gratitude: “We are incredibly grateful to Paula and Keith Lilly…who recognize the value of their past experiences to support and empower our faculty and students with resources to achieve their full potential.”
Amy Funk from the Department of Dental Hygiene said the gift reflects efforts to prepare graduates for successful lives: “The Lillys’ gift will have an enormous impact on student success…by reducing the financial burden.”
Tara Hulsey, Dean of the WVU School of Nursing stated: “On behalf of the WVU School of Nursing, we are tremendously grateful for the Lillys’ support.”
Nate Sorber from CAHS noted: “Paula and Keith Lilly’s generosity speaks volumes about who they are and their love of WVU.”
Scholarship recipients must demonstrate financial need and maintain a 2.3 GPA. Preference is given to students from Monongalia, Nicholas, and Webster counties.
The donation was made through the WVU Foundation.
