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WPU announces the Willard and Libby Ross Courageous Finish Scholarship

Raleigh, NC (04/01/2022) — The Willard and Libby Ross Courageous Finish Scholarship is part of the "22 Courageous Gifts in 2022" giving campaign - a campus-wide fundraising initiative at William Peace University (WPU). Donors, like Willard and Libby Ross, support this initiative by making a courageous commitment that provides our students with the resources they need to learn through immersive experiences, build upon their courage and develop the confidence needed to turn their passion into purpose. These gifts will shape both the future of our university and our students. To learn more or to donate visit 22 in 2022.

Willard G. and Libby Ross have been passionate about WPU for decades.

For Willard, Board of Trustees and Chairman of the WPU Foundation Board, his passion stems from his father. Willard remembers in the 1960s, his dad rallying and helping bring in large donors to support the growing educational institution. Ross wanted to continue his father's legacy of dedication and has done so as a member of the Board for more than 20 years.

For Libby, her passion has been cultivated through Willard, but also through her own family. Libby remembers how her sister was positively impacted by Peace College.

Willard and Libby wanted to combine their passion for WPU to courageously support its students. WPU is excited to announce the Willard and Libby Holding Ross Courageous Finish Scholarship, thanks to the generosity of the Ross'.

"Willard and Libby truly recognize the importance of giving back," said Jodi Stamey, WPU Vice President for Advancement. "When they shared they wanted to support students to help them finish their dreams of a college degree, I knew a finish scholarship would speak to their passion and support our students."

Willard and Libby established this scholarship to allow students to achieve their dream of a college education. The scholarship will provide well-performing junior and senior students with support to overcome remaining financial barriers that could prevent them from completing their education.

"When we started to think about how we could give to WPU, we knew there were a number of students who were doing well academically, but had financial difficulties holding them back - and those difficulties were especially exacerbated by COVID," Willard said. "We wanted to help successful students who are moving along and on the track to graduation- students who are doing so well and so close to graduating but just have the financial need."

WPU's Office of Financial Aid has identified several junior and senior students that could benefit by this generous gift.

Coastal Credit Union Foundation has created a scholarship to help students in a similar situation. Willard explained that between these two gifts, he hopes nearly every junior or senior with financial needs can be supported.

"If you don't finish your education because of financial difficulties, what a blow that could be to your confidence," Willard said. "But we hope that this scholarship comes along and allows students to focus on their classes and education. The scholarship puts students in a position to have courageous confidence."

For Libby, she is excited to be able to give students the opportunity to complete their education.

"To give someone an education is one of the greatest gifts you can give," Libby said. "It is my hope that the scholarship would encourage the recipients to give back once they have achieved success due to their education."

If you are interested in joining Willard and Libby in courageously supporting students as they complete their education, please visit the WPU giving page and designate your gift to student scholarships.

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