The first female dean in the Commonwealth, Mary Ledge Moffett had presence in abundance. For 49 years M’Ledge’s authoritative bearing and good humor influenced generations of Radford College students. Among her many lasting contributions is the creation of RU’s first endowment. Established upon her passing in 1969, the M'Ledge Moffett Scholarship began with $100,000. Today the Endowment is worth approximately $365,000 and provides scholarships to students annually.
Endowments provide opportunities for donors to express continued support for the goals of higher education. Several means exist for creating endowments. Contact the professionals at University Advancement at 540-831-5108 today to discuss ways to make your lasting contribution.
What is an endowed gift?
Student support endowments
Faculty support endowments
Library, educational, and technology support endowments
College, schools, and program support endowments
Athletic endowments
Bequests and Planned Gifts
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An endowed gift is one in which the original principal is never invaded; the gift exists in perpetuity. Endowments are generally funded within four years of the initial contribution. Income paid out of the fund is distributed annually. There is no minimum limit for donating gifts to already existing endowments, but the minimum amount for establishing an endowed fund within the University is $5,000. The following lists the minimum requirements for establishing new endowments. Additionally, opportunities are available for named expendable funds and capital projects. Gifts may be made in honor of in memory of a loved one or influential mentor.
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NAMED FULL SCHOLARSHIPS (minimum $150,000)
Funds from these endowments are used to support the distinguished Radford Scholars Program which is designed to attract outstanding students in each year's entering class. Students compete for these full scholarships on the basis of superior character, academic achievement and potential, leadership, service and extracurricular activities. Awards are made on a merit basis, without regard to the financial need of candidates. Awards cover tuition, fees, room, board and education-related expenses. The recipients are invited to join the prestigious Honors Academy. These funds qualify for the Virginia Graduate and Undergraduate Program's matching funds.
NAMED MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS (minimum $25,000)
This prestigious program is for outstanding freshmen and transfer students. Students receive financial assistance for tuition, fees and education-related expenses. Recipients are invited to join the distinguished Honors Academy. These funds qualify for the Virginia Graduate and Undergraduate Assistance Program's matching funds.
NAMED GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS (minimum $50,000)
Funds will be used to attract talented and highly motivated graduate students. These funds qualify for the Virginia Graduate and Undergraduate Assistance Program's matching funds.
NAMED INTERNSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS (minimum $15,000)
Funds are used to assist undergraduate and graduate students pursuing unpaid internships and student teaching. This is critical to ensure that Radford students are getting practical work experience to enhance their education. Funds are used for travel and education-related expenses.
NAMED PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS (minimum $25,000)
Earnings from these funds are used to make annual awards to students based on financial need in addition to academic record and extracurricular activities. Awards cover partial tuition, fees and education-related expenses. These funds qualify for the Virginia Graduate and Undergraduate Assistance Program's matching funds.
NAMED STUDENT EXCELLENCE FUNDS (minimum $7,000)
Income from these funds is earmarked for student programs, competitions, events and publications. Some popular areas of support include outstanding student awards, Student Government Association and conference participation.
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PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR (minimum $1,000,000)
Support is for recruiting and/or retaining faculty of stellar quality. The funds produced by the endowment will be used to provide salary supplement to a new or existing position and may also be used to provide research and/or program support for the Chair holder.
An endowed presidential chair may be restricted to a specific field of study within an academic department or remain undesignated to allow the University President the greatest amount of flexibility in awarding the chair where it is most needed. The President is responsible for the selection of chair holders.
ENDOWED CHAIRS (minimum $500,000)
Support is for recruiting and/or retaining faculty of stellar quality. The funds produced by the endowment will be used to provide salary supplement to a new or existing position and may also be used to provide research and/or program support for the Chair holder.
An endowed chair may be restricted to a specific field of study within an academic department or remain undesignated to allow the University President or the Provost the greatest amount of flexibility in awarding the chair where it is most needed. The President and the Provost are responsible for the selection of chair holders.
ENDOWED FACULTY PROFESSORSHIP (minimum $250,000)
Support is to help retain Radford University’s best mid-career faculty with recognition, a salary supplement and research/teaching support. Those recognized may be positioned for a full professorship at the conclusion of the funding. The funding will then benefit another recipient. The endowment may be restricted to support a professor of a particular academic discipline or may be offered by the donor to a particular academic department for use. In either case, the University Provost is responsible for selecting the recipient of the Professorship.
NAMED DISTINGUISHED VISITING PROFESSORSHIPS (minimum $100,000)
Support is for bringing outstanding visitors to teach, conduct research and be available as resources for the whole University community for at least one semester. Such visitors are leaders in the fields of arts, education, science or business.
NAMED FACULTY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS (minimum $25,000)
Support is for the development of courses and for strengthening teaching, research and other professional activities. Priority will be given to areas that encourage collaborative faculty/student research.
NAMED TEACHING EXCELLENCE FUNDS (minimum $20,000)
Income from these funds is used to recognize outstanding teaching, research and creative scholarship at the University.
NAMED GUEST LECTURESHIPS (minimum $10,000)
Support is needed to bring distinguished guest lecturers to campus. These speakers will address cutting edge information that is pertinent to students, faculty and the community.
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NAMED EDUCATION RESOURCES (minimum $5,000)
Funds provide instructional support for education students and teachers. They also support workshops and access to cutting edge research.
NAMED TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES (minimum $10,000)
Support for technological improvements and additions is needed. This includes purchases of additional computer terminals, laser printers and fiber optic wiring for the library and student areas.
NAMED LIBRARY RESOURCES (minimum $5,000)
Library funds provide flexible support for library operations in the 21st century and beyond. Income from the endowment will be used for increasing book acquisitions, maintaining the collection, updating computer research methods, and upgrading library services for students, faculty, alumni and the community.
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NAMED BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES (variable)
Funds are used to offset costs associated with programs and/or scholarships in the related building or facility.
NAMED COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS (variable)
Opportunities to name the College of Business and Economics, Education and Human Development, Humanities and Behavioral Science, Science and Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Waldron College of Health and Human Services, and the Graduate and Professional Studies along with many schools are available. The endowed funds are used to enhance the overall quality of the specified area.
NAMED PROGRAMS (variable)
The Business Assistance Center, Center for Gender Studies, Center for Music Technology, Computer Labs, Appalachian Regional Studies Center, Speech and Hearing Clinic, Teaching Resources Center, Selu Conservancy programs and several others can be named. Funds are used to further the initiatives of the specified area.
NAMED CULTURE/LECTURE SERIES (minimum $100,000)
Funds are used to bring artists, cultural events and distinguished guests to campus. This will enliven the academic environment and provide once in a lifetime opportunities to extend learning beyond the traditional class.
NAMED EXCELLENCE FUNDS (minimum $10,000)
These unrestricted endowments allow the University President to direct annual resources to areas of the highest academic priority.
NAMED COLLEGE INNOVATION FUNDS (minimum $10,000)
These endowments provide resources to address emerging needs within colleges. Annual resources may be directed to development of courses, professional activities, technology and collaborative student/faculty research.
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NAMED FULL ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS (minimum $150,000)
Funds from these endowments are used to support top-notch student-athletes. Awards cover tuition, fees, room, board and educational expenses. More than one-third of Radford student-athletes achieve a 3.0 or higher grade point average and Radford ranks number 10 nationally in Division I graduation rates. Donors receive lifetime Athletic Association benefits.
NAMED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS (minimum $25,000)
These funds enhance the recruitment and retention of talented Division I student athletes. More than one-third of Radford student-athletes achieve a 3.0 or higher grade point average and Radford ranks number 10 nationally in Division I graduation rates. Funds are used for tuition, fees and education-related expenses.
NAMED ATHLETIC FACILITIES (variable)
New facilities are needed to support Radford's growing athletic program. Funds are used for construction and program related needs. Existing facilities also can be named. These include the baseball field, soccer field, basketball arena, basketball floor, team locker rooms, pool, weight room, indoor track, training room and other areas. Additionally, seating and scoreboards can be named. Funds are used to enhance the particular athletic program.
NAMED TEAM ENDOWMENTS (variable)
These funds assist in the recruitment and retention of high caliber staff and student-athletes. Additionally, funds can supplement equipment, travel and associated program needs.
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