West Virginia University students traveling abroad will have a new funding option through the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences and the Office of International Programs.

Created for students seeking to broaden their education by traveling to other countries, the Robert H. Maxwell Memorial Travel Fund will assist undergraduate, graduate and professional students with travel expenses.

The fund was created in memory of the late Davis College dean, Robert H. Maxwell, who directed the college from 1985-1993.

Maxwell wasvitally interestedin education for the developing world, colleagues say, and enjoyed the opportunities for travel and acquaintance with other people and cultures that these experiences provided.

He spent 11 years providing agricultural education and training to secondary school and post-secondary students in the East African countries of Kenya and Tanzania and consulted in a number of other countries.

It takes a student with special motivation and a sense of adventure to consider an experience in another country,said Betty Maxwell, widow of the former dean.We would like to help support their interests.

First preference will be given to students traveling to Africa and second preference to Davis College students. However, other international enrichment experiences relating to volunteer work or research will also be considered. International students traveling home for family emergencies may also apply for aid.

The Robert H. Maxwell Memorial Travel Fund was established through the WVU Foundation, a private non-profit corporation that generates, receives and administers private gifts for the benefit of WVU .