West Virginia University Potomac State College is recognizing Lois Elizabeth Miltenberger for her substantial estate gifts, which will provide ongoing support to students, academic programs, and agricultural projects at the college.
Miltenberger died on August 31, 2024, at the age of 83. As outlined in her estate plan, she donated an estimated $1 million to Potomac State College. This donation reflects her dedication to education and community service.
A significant portion of her gift established the Lois E. Miltenberger Agriculture Enhancement Fund. This endowed fund will assist agriculture and forestry programs by enhancing farm operations, supporting program development, improving classroom and laboratory equipment, and advancing sustainability initiatives related to Potomac State’s agricultural goals.
Her estate also strengthens a scholarship fund named in her honor for students majoring in agriculture and forestry programs. Priority is given to students from Mineral or Hampshire counties who have demonstrated financial need.
“We are grateful for Lois Miltenberger’s generosity and vision in empowering future generations of agricultural and forestry leaders,” Jerry Wallace, president of WVU Potomac State College, said. “Her powerful gift leaves a legacy to her alma mater that inspires others and reflects her own love of learning.”
Miltenberger was born on October 20, 1940, in Cumberland, Maryland. She served as president of her graduating class at Ursuline Academy before attending Concord University and later graduating from Potomac State College with a degree in medical technology.
She developed an early interest in agriculture while growing up on a local farm with dairy cattle, truck gardening, a plant nursery, and chickens—experiences that shaped her later support for agricultural causes.
“She saw her education as a blessing, and she wanted to pass that blessing on by helping students build a better future,” said Karol Bradshaw, Miltenberger’s sister.
Miltenberger was active as an alumna and member of the 4-H All Stars organization. She valued its motto “make the best better” and believed education could create opportunities for others.
Her career focused on health care; she worked as a medical technologist at Memorial Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and UPMC Western Maryland. After retirement she remained involved through the Retired Hospital Employees group while continuing to support health care- and education-related causes.
She was also engaged with religious organizations such as Shrine of Saints Peter and Paul and Our Lady of the Mountains Parish where she volunteered regularly. Her commitment extended to volunteering at Allegany County Animal Shelter and supporting the Mineral County Humane Society.
Through these gifts made via the WVU Foundation—the nonprofit that manages private donations for West Virginia University—her values will continue shaping experiences at Potomac State College well into the future.
West Virginia University includes multiple campuses within its network (source). The university has produced numerous distinguished scholars such as Rhodes Scholars (25) and Truman Scholars (27) (source). It seeks to use its resources to build a stronger future both locally in West Virginia and beyond (source). The university community values inclusivity through diverse contributions (source) and is inspired by its motto “Mountaineers Go First” (source).
