YCF Announces Dr. William E. Phillips Jr. Leadership Marion Scholarship

April 20, 2022

Morgantown, WV – Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF) announces the establishment of the Dr. William E. Phillips Jr. Leadership Marion Scholarship made possible by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

The Dr. William E. Phillips Jr. Leadership Marion Scholarship will support graduates of Marion County high schools who have proven participation in leadership development and community service organizations and activities. Eligible students must be enrolled in a private or public vocational training program, apprenticeship, technical, 2-year, or 4-year institution in West Virginia.

A permanent scholarship fund with YCF requires a minimum of $20,000. Donations are encouraged to help the Dr. Phillips Jr. Leadership Marion Scholarship meet the minimum. The principal is invested, and the earnings provide scholarships– forever.

“Leadership Marion has been an important part of our chamber for many years.” stated Tina Shaw, Marion County Chamber of Commerce President. “It’s an honor to work with our community to assist in the endowment of such an important scholarship.”

Dr. Phillips was a U.S. Army veteran and lifelong educator. He graduated from Ridgley High School in Ridgley, WV and attended Fairmont State College, where he was a multi-sport letterman, student body president, and a charter member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. Dr. Phillips then completed his Masters and Doctorate in Education at West Virginia University.

Dr. Phillips was an active member of his community, often involved in many leadership roles. He received the Marion Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award, the Alumni Letter Winner of Distinction award in 1992 and the Alumni Achievement Award in 2003 from Fairmont State University. From 1982 to 1998, Dr. Phillips Jr. chaired the Leadership Marion Program, sponsored by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce and Fairmont State University.

“YCF appreciates the opportunity to administer the Dr. William E. Phillips Jr. Leadership Marion Scholarship,” shared Patty Showers Ryan, President of YCF.  “This endowment will provide assistance for students in Marion County in his memory forever.”

Any individual, organization, or business can make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund.  Donations are accepted in the form of checks, credit cards, stocks and through bequests.  To donate online, click on the “Donate” link on the YCF website, www.ycfwv.org. You may enter a name of a specific fund during the checkout process. Alternatively, donations by check may be made payable to “YCF” and mailed to PO Box 409, Morgantown, WV 26507. Checks should include the name of the fund in the memo line.

Leadership Marion Class 39 is holding their annual service project “Night at the Races” to benefit the Dr. William E. Phillips Jr. Leadership Marion Scholarship fund on May 7, 2022 at the Fairmont Field Club. Tickets can be purchased online at  https://bit.ly/36SUVWy or you can contact the Marion County Chamber of Commerce at 304-363-0442 for tickets or sponsorship information.

For more information, please visit YCF’s website at: http://www.localhost:10093, or call (304) 296-3433.

Dr. William E. Phillips, Jr.