Wheeling University recently received a more than half million-dollar gift, thanks to a bequest from a trust established by alumna Sandra Piper Sonneborn and her husband, Sydney.

Sandra Sonneborn, or Sandy as she was known to her friends, was a member of the Class of 1960, the University’s second graduating class.

“Members of the Wheeling University community are grateful to the Sonneborns for the lasting legacy they have left. This gift will impact the lives of students today and in the future,” said Wheeling University President Dianna M. Vargo.

In keeping with the Sonneborns’ wishes, the funds have been placed in the Wheeling University general endowment account as the Sandra and Sydney Sonneborn Scholarship Fund. The interest from the $525,000 principal will be used to fund scholarships for students from West Virginia.

Dr. Edward Shahady, like Sandy Sonneborn, is a 1960 Wheeling University graduate. He recalled talking to the couple about his intention to include the university in his estate plan.

“During one of our reunions, I told Sandy and Sid that I was leaving a portion of my final worth to our university and suggested they do the same. I am glad to see they included Wheeling in their plans. I hope others will consider doing the same as Sandy and Sid did,” Shahady said.

Sandy Sonneborn was a native of Wheeling. She married Sydney Sonneborn following her graduation from what was then known as Wheeling College. At Wheeling, she was a biology major and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the program. During her time at the college, she was active in the annual Gambol chorus line, which she enthusiastically reenacted with other members of her class during her 50th reunion.

Following graduation, she went on to become a registered nurse. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Montana in 1981.

Following Sandy Sonneborn’s death in 2014, Sydney Sonneborn remained connected to his wife’s alma mater, returning for class reunions, where he happily took Sandy’s place in a subsequent Gambol chorus line. He continued to support the university until his own passing in April 2025.

Sydney Sonneborn was also a Wheeling native. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Painting from University of Illinois and a master’s degree in fine arts from West Virginia University after serving in the United States Air Force. The couple moved to Miles, Montana, in 1967, where they lived for 30 years. Upon their retirement in 1998, they moved to Palm Desert, California.