HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATION

For more than 40 years the Shepherd University Foundation has strengthened the work and service of the University, provided funds for scholarships, and supported programs important to Shepherd, its students, and the community. Many special people have helped assure the success of the Foundation, among them over 250 donors who have started scholarships that have provided financial aid to thousands of eligible students over the years. The following brief history cites some of the people and projects that have contributed to building the Foundation and its good work in the community.

July 1961: The Shepherd College Foundation incorporated by Charles J. Unseld '06, James M. Moler '30, Oliver S. Ikenberry, John L. Engle, and Shirley M. Hunt with William R. Thacher, president.

1964: Jessie Hendrix, the Foundation's office assistant, compiles first alumni directory.

March 1965: Amended charter provding fora more extensive operation is adopted.

Spring 1968: Foundation Office established in newly-constructed Ikenberry Hall.

Spring 1972: Dr. James Moler '30 becomes second president of the Foundation.

1979: Charles Doss appointed CFO.

1981: Foundation serves as fiscal agent to Festival of the Arts.

1983: Foundation pays tuition for 50 unemployed persons to attend Shepherd.

1984: Foundation provides funding for the recruitment of students.

October 1984: Foundation celebrates 20 years with a reception for 160 friends and supporters. Approximately $70,000 awarded in student aid, exceeding any other year in its 20-year history.

September 1985: Foundation fund for faculty support added to the Foundation program.

November 1985: Foundation creates fund to pay tuition of students who were victims of the devastating flood of 1985.

1991: Wilma Neff hired as executive secretary and treasurer.

1991: Shepherd Classified Employees start Foundation scholarship for children of classified employees.

July 1995: McMurran Society established.

December 1996: Monica Lingenfelter hired as executive vice president.

September 1997: First Foundation Donor/Scholar Reception held at Popodicon.

1998: James Davis '59 elected third president of Foundation.

Spring 2000: Foundation board votes to adopt mission to expand funding to support innovative curriculum, up-to-date technology, faculty development, and capital building projects.

Spring 2000: Foundation begins Campaign for Shepherd, a gift-giving program to support library addition and stadium expansion.

Spring 2002: Scarborough Society established to support library programs.

July 2003: Assets reach $17.5 million; $1.2 million distributed for scholarships and programs during 03-04 academic year.

September 2003: Kenneth J. Boone Field House dedicated--first building to be built with use of private funds raised by the Foundation.

March 2004: Foundation goes online for donations.

May 2004: Shepherd University Foundation moves offices to new home in historic McMurran Hall. Anticipate assets to exceed $20 million by fall 2004.

September 2006: Ramon A. Alvarez '62 elected fourth president of Foundation.