The West Virginia University Alumni Associations Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund (LPEF), which has helped more than 3,000 students realize their dreams at WVU , is celebrating its 70th anniversarymaking it one of the Universitys oldest scholarship programs.

The Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund was established in 1937 by the Alumni Association and has been a contributing source of funds to the WVU Scholars Program, including scholarships to valedictorians, student body presidents and other outstanding Mountaineers,said Stephen L. Douglas, president and chief executive officer of the Alumni Association.This fall, more than 400 West Virginians will be attending WVU with the help of the LPEF , and that number will only continue to grow in the future.

A special reception, sponsored by BB&T, is planned for scholars Sunday (Aug. 19) at the Erickson Alumni Center. Students can pick up their scholarships from 5-7 p.m., and speakers from the University and the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund will make a brief presentation at 5:30 p.m.

In 2007, fund assets totaled more than $12.5 million. The trustees proudly note that all contributions through the years have been given without solicitation, which truly demonstrates the generosity of the alumni and friends of WVU . With such generous contributions, the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund awarded eight full scholarships during the 2006-07 academic year.

The fact that the LPEF has acquired such a large amount of donations without donors being asked for a dime is what makes the fund so unique,trustee James McCartney said.Watching the endowment surpass $10 million in 2005 really proved to what extent alumni and other donors give back to WVU .

The Trust Committee of the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund includes retired Marine Corps Gen. Earl E. Anderson, chairman; James H.BuckHarless; and James R. McCartney. Douglas serves as secretary of the fund.

The trustees take great pride in the impressive achievements recorded by these scholars and are pleased to see the recipients reach all of their dreams at WVU , Douglas said.

The WVU Alumni Association, chartered in 1873, represents more than 170,000 University graduates residing in every county in West Virginia, every state in the union and approximately 60 foreign nations. With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the associations 28,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming Weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni, Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund, Student Alumni Association and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs.

For more information about the WVU Alumni Association, visithttp://alumni.wvu.edu/.