Thanks to the generous contributions from alumni and friends, the National Capital Area Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association will soon be able to provide more scholarships to students living in the Washington, D.C., area.

The chapter surpassed $50,000 in scholarship contributions for the Col. John F. Nicholas Jr. Memorial National Capital Area Scholarship. The announcement was made at WVU s State of the University Address on Capitol Hilla June 17 fund-raising event hosted by the National Capital Area Chapter. The scholarships will be awarded to deserving students through the WVU Scholars Office.

This is a historic day for the National Capital Area Chapter, the alumni association and the University,said Stephen Douglas, president and chief executive officer of the WVU Alumni Association.They have joined an elite group by becoming one of just two chapters to reach the $50,000 milestone. We are extremely proud of their efforts and their commitment to education.

The scholarship was named in memory of Nicholas, a distinguished WVU alumnus and former chapter leader. The endowment is funded through individual contributions and various fund-raising events, including the annual State of the University Address on Capitol Hill and the National Capital Area Crab Feast.

It is because of the support of our alumni and friends that this endowed scholarship is possible,said Carol Wallace, president of the National Capital Area Chapter.Thanks to their generosity, we will be able to assist the many deserving students who wish to pursue a higher education at WVU .

We would especially like to acknowledge BearingPoint, EMC , Golin/Harris International, Information Manufacturing Corp., KBR Services Inc. and Spillman, Thomas&Battle, PLLC , our corporate sponsors of this years State of the University Address,Wallace added.

The WVU Alumni Association, chartered in 1873, represents more than 158,000 University graduates residing in every county in West Virginia, every state in the nation and approximately 60 other countries. With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the Associations 26,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming Weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs.

More about the WVU Alumni Association on the Net:www.wvu.edu/~alumni/

The National Capital Area Chapter Web site:www.wvualumni.org/