Napoleon Hill Foundation gives $100,000 to UVa-Wise scholarship

The Napoleon Hill Foundation recently presented The University of Virginia’s College at Wise with $100,000 for the Napoleon Hill Scholarship Fund.

The fund provides scholarships for up to 10 of the College’s best and brightest students. Students in the Napoleon Hill Scholars program participate in a leadership program that provides training on the principles touted by Napoleon Hill.

The scholarship fund now stands at more than $500,000. The donation was made during the annual

Napoleon Hill Foundation President Jim Oleson (left) presents a check to Chancellor David J. Prior.

Napoleon Hill Day at UVa-Wise on Oct. 20.

“We hope we can continue to add to it,” said Don Green, executive director of the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Students in the Napoleon Hill Scholars program attended the presentation.

“The Napoleon Hill Scholars program is so beneficial to the College and its students,” said student Jekeyma Robinson of Honaker. “I’m really looking forward to working in the program.”

During the event, the scholars also heard words of encouragement from Jim Connelly, an entrepreneur and motivational author. Connelly warned the students they would face plenty of obstacles as they go through life, but practicing the principles Napoleon Hill taught in his many books would help them meet any challenge.

“It’s not what happens to you in life, it’s what you do about it that matters,” Connelly said.

Connelly recounted how he wasted 20 years of his life in poverty before he traveled to California and took a room clerk job at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. He spoke of the fear he felt just before he walked through the majestic hotel’s door.

“I had zero skills, but I had a really good work ethic,” he said.

Connelly worked extra shifts without pay just to learn the hotel business. A mentor gave him a copy of Hill’s book “Think and Grow Rich.” Six years later, Connelly was general manager.

“That book changed my life and the lives of many, many people,” Connelly said. “I credit Napoleon Hill for positioning me in life to help a lot of people.”

Connelly started 15 different successful businesses and is the author of the best selling book “One More Sunset.” The proceeds of his book fund a recovery program for United States military veterans who are recovering from head and brain injuries.

Headquartered at UVa-Wise, the Napoleon Hill Foundation is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to promoting Hill’s philosophy. Hill was born in poverty in a one-room cabin on the Pound River in 1883. He became an advisor to presidents and a best-selling author.

First published in 1937, “Think and Grow Rich” has sold millions of copies worldwide and continues to appear on the list of top business books.

Posted November 7, 2008