On Friday, Nov, 2, past and present Puskar Leadership Scholars will remember the generosity of Milan Puskar and his gift in creating the Puskar Leadership Scholarship. As a tribute to Puskar, a tree will be planted and a commemorative plaque installed to honor his memory.

The private ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the green space between the Waterfront Place Hotel and the West Virginia University Foundation building at One Waterfront Place.

“Mr. Puskar provided us with tremendous opportunities through the creation of the Puskar Leadership Scholarship,” said Elizabeth DeVault a 2012 graduate of WVU and former Puskar Scholar. “We felt it was important to recognize his gifts to the University and its students.”

Scholars donated the funds to purchase the plaque. Remaining dollars donated will be added to the Puskar Leadership Scholarship to support future scholars.

“Having spoken with several Puskar Leadership Scholars, I know how much the program means to them,” said Wayne King, WVU Foundation president and CEO. “This is a wonderful and lasting way for them to express their appreciation to Mike and his family.”

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Milan “Mike” Puskar made a $2 million gift to the WVU Foundation to establish an endowment to fund a student enrichment program for the WVU Leadership Studies Program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Competitively selected students with two years of undergraduate study at WVU remaining embark on a challenging journey in order to enhance their academic and professional careers. Activities for Puskar Leadership Scholars include: enrichment workshops and seminars, class trips and conference attendance, access to guest speakers, special service projects and paid or volunteer assignments with a leadership component.

Milan Puskar died last year. Over his lifetime, he contributed more than $22 million to the WVU Foundation for the benefit of WVU. Also, during his tenure as chairman of the board of Mylan Pharmaceuticals, the company gave more than $6 million to the Foundation.

For more information, contact Lisa DeFrank-Cole at Lisa.DeFrank-Cole@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

rh/9/24/12

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