West Virginia Wesleyan College Receives $50,000 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia -- West Virginia Wesleyan College recently received a $50,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The gift will go towards endowing a scholarship fund named after Dr. Dale E. Turner, one of West Virginia Wesleyan's most distinguished alumni.

The Dale E. Turner Scholarship, established in 1992, is awarded annually to students who embody Rev. Turner's love for athletics. The scholarship seeks undergraduate recipients who best exemplify the spirit of athletic competition, and who possess characteristics of leadership, integrity and service to others. Prospective candidates must demonstrate both scholastic achievement and financial need.

"Dale Turner represents the high ideals of spiritual and civic leadership, and he exemplifies what we hope for in all of our graduates. We are thrilled to have been awarded this gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation so we can truly acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of such an outstanding individual," said William R. Haden, President of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

The basis of the Foundation's gift stems from a long-standing and personal association between the Gates family and Rev. Turner. In addition, this gift works in conjunction with the Foundation's commitment to helping all students achieve.

"Reverend Turner's insights are as keen today as when I first heard his sermons in church when I was a boy," comments Foundation Co-Founder Bill Gates on one of Rev. Turner's book jackets. "He mixes equal parts wisdom, learning, plain speaking and humor to get to the heart of important matters. I have learned a lot from him."

An important advocate of a variety of political and social issues, Rev. Turner has been an influential citizen in the Seattle community, writing a weekly column for The Seattle Times and formerly serving as minister of University Congregational Church.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Rev. Turner's graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan. The college will honor him with a special presentation at its Founder's Day program in October 2000, and will celebrate Rev. Turner's accomplishments as a writer, lecturer, counselor and active community member.