SHEPHERDSTOWN – The Shepherd University Foundation has announced the creation of an endowment funded by the Shepherd University Alumni Association.

Funds will be used to provide financial assistance to full-time students, or part-time or full-time graduate studies students.

First preference will be given to a Shepherd University graduate or the child, spouse or sibling of a Shepherd University graduate.

According to board member Larry Strite, the Shepherd University Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment was originated as a way for the association to establish a lasting legacy of support to financially disadvantaged Shepherd students and, in turn, encourage them to help future students and fellow alumni. Strite said he hopes it also will inspire Shepherd’s more than 15,000 alumni to give back to their alma mater.

Shepherd University Alumni Association President Scott Bradford Doleman said he is excited about the endeavor.

“It requires both vision and commitment to maintain the level of excellence we’ve come to appreciate at Shepherd University. With the newly established Shepherd University Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment, we ensure that this great institution continues to provide cutting-edge, high-quality education that will benefit future generations of Shepherd students and alumni,” he said.

The Alumni Association also has endowed a fund benefitting Scarborough Library and budgets $5,000 each year toward other scholarships, programs and faculty excellence awards. The Alumni Association is a paid membership organization for Shepherd graduates. The association works with Shepherd and alumni to plan events and programs that help alumni stay connected to Shepherd.

To learn more about the association or become a member, contact Alexis Reed at 304-876-5157 or e-mail apalladi@shepherd.edu.

To give a gift of any size to the Shepherd University Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment, or create your own endowed fund, contact Monica Lingenfelter with the Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, call 304-876-5397 or e-mail mlingenf@shepherd.edu.