Future West Virginia University students majoring in music will benefit from a $25,000 pledge made by an alumni couple from Lewis County.

Anna Lee and Richard Riddle of Weston have established the Anna Lee Porter Riddle endowed scholarship.

Anna Lee Riddle earned her bachelors degree in music from WVU in 1954 and enjoyed a successful career as a music educator. Richard Riddle earned two degrees from WVU , a bachelors degree in secondary education in 1955 and a masters degree in education administration in 1961. He served as a school administrator in Montgomery County, Md., for much of his career.

I have always wanted to do something productive for West Virginia University,said Anna Lee Riddle.As a child, I took piano and voice lessons, always with the thought that one day I would be a musician. I had the opportunity to sing, direct and teach, and be involved with young men and women. I wanted them to have the opportunity to advance their careers in either teaching or performing music.

The endowment will provide undergraduate scholarships for students enrolled in music through WVU s College of Creative Arts. Recipients must demonstrate academic promise and financial need.

College of Creative Arts officials, in consultation with the WVU Office of Student Financial Aid, will select the scholarship recipients.

The gift was made through the WVU Foundation, a private, nonprofit corporation that generates and provides support for WVU .