The Credit Bureau of the Virginias Foundation, Inc. recently donated a $10,000 check to provide ten students with a $1,000 scholarship during the 2019-2020 academic year. Students will receive $500 in both Fall and Spring semesters until the student either leaves or graduates from the University.
Since 2003, the Foundation has donated scholarship money in support of BU students. For over a decade, the organization has contributed more than $150,000. Over three-quarters of undergraduate students at Bluefield University receive financial aid, largely from the generosity of individuals and businesses.
“The Credit Bureau of the Virginias Foundation, Inc. has given significant resources for the past 17 years to enable a number of Bluefield University students to reach their goal of receiving a baccalaureate degree. Mr. Welch and the Foundation are making a remarkable investment for the future leadership of the Virginias, one scholarship at a time,” said Dr. Marshall Flowers, vice president for academic affairs and athletics.
The Credit Bureau of the Virginias Foundation was established through the sale of the Credit Bureau of the Virginias, formerly known as the Bluefield Credit Bureau. The primary purpose is to help students who need assistance when it comes to obtaining a degree. It was created, according to Jimmy Welch, executive director of the Foundation, to “promote the quality of life within the former trade area of the Credit Bureau of the Virginias by supporting local charitable, scientific, and educational needs.”
For Welch, the day he delivers the check is always a great day. “I enjoy delivering the check from the Foundation and hearing about how much students benefit. We’ve been awarding scholarships to Bluefield University students for 17 years. It is our goal to help the ‘average’ student who demonstrates financial need and may not have access to a number of academic scholarships.”
Ruth Blankenship, vice president for finance and administration, stated, “[The Credit Bureau] is a faithful supporter of the mission of Bluefield University and the students we serve. Without their support, who knows how many students might not have had the opportunity to receive higher education.”
Recipients of Credit Bureau awards must be residents of the former trade area of the Credit Bureau of the Virginias, including Tazewell, Bland, and Giles counties in Virginia, as well as Mercer McDowell, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Summers, Monroe counties in West Virginia.