Dr. William F. Pickard, a Detroit area business leader, has made a gift of $250,000 to support the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Program at West Virginia State University, WVSU.
The scholarship program established last fall is named after WVSU alumnus, Judge Damon J. Keith, who served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit since 1977. Besides the program, a new residence hall under construction is also named in honor of the Judge.
"I am making this gift for two reasons," Pickard said in a statement. "First, your University has chosen to recognize my dear friend and mentor, the Honorable Damon J. Keith, with a newly constructed building named in his honor as well as a scholarship fund that bears his name. Second, I have been so impressed with Dr. Brian O. Hemphill's leadership as President of the University."
The Scholars Program financially assists students from Detroit area public schools in terms of room and board, tuition and fees and textbooks. Prospective students must possess academic excellence and a social-equality perspective of the world.
Pickard serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Detroit-based Global Automotive Alliance, LLC, a group of automotive-related companies operating in 12 states.
President Hemphill said that Pickard's contribution will allow future Detroiters fulfil their passion at WVSU just as Judge Keith did.
"I am delighted and honored that my friend, Dr. William Pickard, has made a commitment of $250,000 to the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Program at West Virginia State University....," Judge Keith said. "I want to second Dr. Pickard's congratulations to Dr. Brian O. Hemphill. He is an exceptional leader, doing an outstanding job at my beloved alma mater."
