West Virginia Press Association
CHARLESTON, WV – The University of Charleston received a generous $50,000 donation from the estate of Frances and Richard Rumley to establish a scholarship fund dedicated to supporting international students.
Lois Ann Stanton, niece of the Rumleys, presented the gift to President Marty Roth, Executive Vice President for Enrollment Management Beth Wolfe, Vice President of Development Gail Carter, and Director of International Students Violetta Petrosyan.
“This generous gift will open doors for our international students in ways that Frances and Richard would have loved,” President Roth said. “Their passion for connecting with people from around the world will live on through this scholarship, helping students pursue their dreams here at UC. We are incredibly grateful for their support and the lasting impact they continue to have on our university community.”
Frances (‘72) and Richard Rumley (‘67) were both graduates of Morris Harvey College, now the University of Charleston, and were deeply involved with the university’s International Student Program in the 2000s.
Passionate about global connections, the couple traveled to over 70 countries, often through Friendship Force and personal excursions. Their commitment to fostering cultural exchange led them to support many international students studying in West Virginia, even hosting some in their home.
Today, the University of Charleston proudly hosts over 200 international students from 50 countries.
“For our international students, the University of Charleston isn’t just a place to earn a degree—it’s a home away from home,” Executive Vice President Wolfe said. “This scholarship will make it possible for even more students from around the world to experience the education, friendships, and supportive community that make UC such a special place.”
“This scholarship will make a real difference, easing financial burdens and giving more international students the chance to call UC home,” Vice President Carter said. “Thanks to this incredible generosity, Frances and Richard will continue to shape the lives of students from around the world. Gifts like these are very special to the University of Charleston, and Frances and Richard set a wonderful example of the impact alumni can make by giving back to their beloved alma mater.”
For more information, please contact C.J. Harvey, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, at [email protected] or 304-352-0014.
