MYRA AND VICTOR DEAN

A dedicated West Virginia University alum originally from New Martinsville and his wife are expanding support for engineering education and athletics with gifts totaling $175,000.

For nearly 25 years, Victor and Myra Dean have been frequent donors to the university. Their most recent $75,000 gift to the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources creates a namesake scholarship endowment for future engineering students. Dean’s employer, J.M. Huber Corp., added a $50,000 match for donations to the Statler College totaling $125,000.

The scholarship is designated for students majoring in or intending to major in chemical or biomedical engineering at the Statler College. First preference will be given to West Virginia residents, with second preference for residents of neighboring states. To be eligible, students must also maintain a 2.75 grade point average.

“Challenging fields such as chemical and biomedical engineering require intense focus and determination,” said Pedro Mago, dean of the Statler College. “This scholarship offers resources and opportunities for students to excel in these competitive areas.”

The couple’s latest gift to support WVU sports via the Mountaineer Athletic Club includes $50,000 to aid the football and men’s basketball programs.

“We give to our passions,” Dean said. “Education is a passion. Sports are a passion. Choosing where to give was easy. Some decisions are hard. This wasn’t one of them.”