INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State University (WVSU) has established the Elizabeth Faye Gilbert Memorial Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship created through a planned gift commitment of $1 million from her son, John D’Amato. 

The scholarship will provide financial support to students attending WVSU, with preference given to students from McDowell County, where Gilbert was born and raised.

The scholarship honors Elizabeth Gilbert, known as Faye to her family, who was the next-to-youngest of five children. She was described as a talented singer who was loving, funny and determined, and as a strong proponent of education despite not having earned a four-year degree herself. During her career, she rose from an entry level position to becoming the highest-ranking civilian employee at a military port in Seattle, Washington. 

“Scholarships like the Elizabeth Faye Gilbert Memorial Scholarship have a transformative impact on a student’s ability to pursue a college education and achieve their life and career goals,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “We are grateful to John D’Amato for creating this enduring investment in our students and for honoring his mother’s legacy by helping provide educational opportunities for generations to come.”

Under the terms of the endowment agreement, the preferred recipient will be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic standing or demonstrating academic merit who has financial need. Preference will be given first to a new freshman student from McDowell County, followed by other students from McDowell County and then students from West Virginia.

“Elizabeth Faye Gilbert, ‘Bette,’ was born in War, West Virginia, in 1926. Her mother taught her to do numbers in the condensation on the side of ‘the old Majestic,’ their wood burning stove,” said John D’Amato. “She did not have the support she should have had when she was ready for college, but she succeeded, anyhow, by sheer intelligence, force of personality, and lifelong curiosity. She didn’t know that a scholarship to West Virginia State University would be dedicated in her name, but she would have whole-heartedly approved.”

The agreement calls for an annual scholarship award of $10,000, with the donors’ stated intent that a new freshman student from McDowell County be recognized each year. The award may be renewed annually for up to three additional years, provided the student remains enrolled, meets the eligibility requirements and funding remains available.

“Endowed scholarships are a powerful way for donors to turn a family’s values and legacy into lasting opportunities for students,” said WVSU Vice President for University Advancement and President of the WVSU Foundation Trey Jones. “John D’Amato’s commitment to honor his mother through this scholarship will help open doors for students for years to come, while creating a lasting connection between Faye’s family and West Virginia State University.”

The endowed fund will be managed and invested by the West Virginia State University Foundation in accordance with applicable laws and Foundation policies. The agreement anticipates additional contributions from the donors to support scholarship awards before endowment distributions become available.

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-WVSU-