Denver couple gives $520,000 to UVA-Wise

Former Wise residents Martha and James Holyfield have made a $520,000 gift to The University of Virginia's College at Wise to benefit local high school students.

The Martha Ann Roberts Holyfield Endowed Scholarship Fund was established with the gift from James W. and Martha A. Holyfield. The couple now resides in Denver, where Mrs. Holyfield retired in 1990 as vice president and comptroller of Chase Manhattan's western district.

"This is a lifetime goal for me to be able to help advance the educational opportunities of graduates from my high school and to show my appreciation to the residents of Wise," Mrs. Holyfield said.

Mrs. Holyfield is a 1945 graduate of Wise High School, the predecessor of J. J. Kelly High School. The new scholarship award will be based on students' merit and financial need. Students may major in any academic field; however, preference will be given to graduates of J. J. Kelly High School. The first Martha Ann Roberts Holyfield Endowed Scholarship will be awarded for the 2004-05 academic year.

"It certainly is my privilege to help some other young people go to college," Mrs. Holyfield said. "I never went to college but I felt I had solid foundation for a lifetime of success because of the concerned teaching staff and quality instruction at Wise High School."

Mrs. Holyfield was born and raised in Wise, the fourth of eight children. Her father died at a young age, leaving her mother to provide for the family. "My mother is a great part of my success," Mrs. Holyfield said. "She knew the importance of education. She even took a literature class at the College when she was in her fifties." Mrs. Holyfield began her banking education while still in high school, working part time at a local bank. She and her husband, who played football at Wise High School were high school sweethearts. "When he came to school we became friends," Mrs. Holyfield said. "We got married after high school and then moved away in 1947."

The Holyfields moved to Denver 50 years ago but have been regular visitors back to Wise, where Mrs. Holyfield's mother lived until her death in 2001 at the age of 101. Mr. Holyfield retired from the state of Colorado's human resources department where he worked as a health programs administrator.

"My husband asked that this scholarship be named for me because I had helped fund a total of six college degrees Ð two for him, three for our son and one for our daughter," Mrs. Holyfield said.

For the Holyfields, the decision to establish the scholarship was an easy one. "In my heart of hearts I knew I wanted to do something for those in the town of Wise who had made my life so pleasant," she said.

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.