The Senior Class Project is a student tradition in which the senior class makes a parting gift to the College. The Senior Class Project recognizes the students’ commitment to the College and creates a legacy by supporting future College students. The Class of 2004 designed a custom senior class t-shirt that was purchased by the College. The students made this into a fundraiser by selling their shirts to raise money to purchase a gift for the College. The students raised more than $2,500 and plan to purchase park benches to be placed at various areas of campus. Seniors who spearheaded the fundraising effort are: Heidi Evans, Jodie Kern, Seth Gent, David Lobiondo, Ella Smith, Gozde Kavas, Courtney Conner, Dan Deel, Whitney Tiller, Renee Parker, Jennifer Davis, Josh Honaker and Amber Mann.

      A record number of private scholarship awards – 653 scholarships totaling $1.1 million dollars – were awarded during the 2003-04 academic year. UVa-Wise students will benefit from seven new
scholarships recently established at the College. The new scholarships were announced in March during the 13th annual Scholarship Luncheon, which honors scholarship donors and recipients.
     "The steadfast support of our donors has not only provided financial support to our students, but has helped to transform our entire student body,” Russell Necessary ‘87, vice chancellor for
enrollment management, said during his comments to the group. We have expanded the geographic and cultural diversity of our student body, seen dramatic enrollment growth, increased student retention, seen our students graduate with one of the lowest indebtedness levels in the nation, continued to improve our entering class profile and found the College elevated to its nationally recognized status by U.S. News and World Report. None of this would have been possible without our donors and friends.”

The list of new scholarships follows:
The Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Scholarship Fund was established by Donald W. Caudill of Norton in memory and honor of his parents, Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill. The Alfred and Shirley Wampler Caudill Scholarship will benefit business majors and students enrolled in leadership development courses.

The Thelma Meade Hancock Scholarship Fund was established by Robert Hancock in honor of his mother, a devoted mother and outstanding teacher in the Russell County school system. The Thelma Meade Hancock Scholarship will be awarded to students from Southwest Virginia.

The Martha Ann Roberts Holyfield Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by James W. Holyfield and Martha A. Holyfield, natives of Wise who now reside in Denver. Students must demonstrate merit and financial need and may major in any academic field. Preference will be given to graduates of J. J. Kelly High School.

The Stewart McFall and Nellie Mullins McFall Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Clintwood natives L. Victor McFall and Helen McFall in memory of Mr. McFall’s parents, Stewart and Nellie McFall. Students who exhibit merit and need and who are members of a Freewill Baptist Church in Dickenson County will receive preference for this scholarship.

The James C. Roberson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2004 by family and friends in memory of the Honorable James C. Roberson, a widely respected citizen and jurist.

The Susie Sturgill Athletic Scholarship was established by the family and friends of Susie Sturgill, caring friend of the College and a passionate supporter of its athletic programs. The Susie Sturgill Athletic Scholarship Fund will benefit deserving student athletes at UVa-Wise.

The Benjamin F. and Sarah C. Sutherland Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Benjamin F. and Sarah C. Sutherland’s 60th anniversary by their children, Carolyn Sutherland ‘82, Doug Sutherland, and Sarah Foulkrod. The Benjamin and Sarah Sutherland Scholarship will benefit students from Dickenson County with demonstrated financial need.

For information about establishing a scholarship, contact R. Winston Ely, assistant vice chancellor for Development and College Relations, at 276/328-0132.