September 12, 2024
Morgantown, WV – Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia, Inc. (YCF) announces the establishment of the Robert F. Miller Support Fund. The new endowment has been created with a $24,500 donation from Bob’s wife, Deb Miller.
The Robert F. Miller Support Fund will supplement the Preston Federal Credit Union’s annual scholarship in memory of Bob. The endowment managed by YCF provides a permanent source of funding to enhance the scholarship for Preston County residents pursuing post-secondary education.
“Bob respected and admired teachers for their devotion to learning,” said Deb. “This scholarship extends his life’s interest to others for generations to come.”
Bob’s career focused on computer technology and financial institution management. He set up the first computer system in Preston County for the Albright National Bank in Kingwood in 1976. His career spanned from the early use of specialized business computers to the everyday use of smartphones.
After serving four years in communications with the U.S. Air Force, the GI Bill gave Bob the opportunity to attend Kean College in New Jersey and West Virginia University. He served as the CEO of the Preston Federal Credit Union in Kingwood, WV, from 1999 to 2017. During his tenure, Bob helped with the construction of a new building for the credit union, increased their assets, and added many enhancements to their services.
“Bob established the scholarship with the Credit Union many years ago,” shared Cheri Wooten, CEO of the Preston Federal Credit Union. “We renamed the award in Bob’s honor and memory in 2017. Employees and members continue to donate to it.”
Coming from a family of eight children, Bob understood the value of earning money and spending it wisely. He enjoyed helping customers, including teachers, school staff, and county employees understand their financial options better. Bob was an active member of the community and enjoyed biking on beautiful trails.
“YCF appreciates the opportunity to support a permanent fund in honor of a Preston County community leader,” said Patty Showers Ryan, President of YCF. “Bob embraced significant changes in financial technology during his career, which benefited his customers and community long-term.”
YCF is a tax-exempt public charity serving North Central West Virginia. A permanent grantmaking fund with YCF requires a minimum donation of $10,000. Scholarship fund minimums are $20,000. Donors may determine an area of support that is meaningful to them or allow their gift to be unrestricted for the greatest needs in the community. The principal is invested, and the earnings provide support – forever.
Any individual, organization, or business can make a tax-deductible contribution to any of the 170+ funds managed by YCF, including the Robert F. Miller Support Fund. Donations are accepted in the form of checks, credit cards, stocks, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, and through bequests. For more information, please visit YCF’s website at: www.ycfwv.org, or call (304) 296-3433.
To apply for the Robert F. Miller Memorial Scholarship, download the application from the Preston Federal Credit Union website: prestonfcu.com. Applications are due annually by May 1st and may be submitted to the Credit Union by mail or in-person to 343 E Main Street, Kingwood, WV 26537.
