Gift from Alumnus Supports Student Scholarships

Fairmont State University students will benefit from the gift of an alumnus who believed education was a way to create opportunity.

William Claude “Bill” Waters, who spent his career dedicated to education, passed away in July 2012 at age 93. Through a bequest from his estate, Waters has provided a $730,000 gift to the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc., that will be used for FSU student scholarships. Waters previously made more than $63,000 in gifts to the University.

“Mr. Waters’ gift is a very thoughtful expression of support and will have an enormous impact on campus,” said William B. Armistead, President of the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc. “Naming the Fairmont State Foundation as a beneficiary in a will, life insurance policy or retirement plan builds our long term financial strength and allows a donor to create a meaningful legacy for future generations of Fairmont State University students.”

A Monongalia County native, Waters is a graduate of Clay-Battelle High School. After serving in World War II as a paratrooper, he graduated from Fairmont State in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from West Virginia University and was employed with the Monongalia County Board of Education, eventually becoming Assistant Superintendent of Schools. He later worked for and retired from Merrill Publishing Company as a school textbook salesman.

“As a Fairmont State alumna, I know firsthand the life-changing power of education. The University is grateful for Mr. Waters’ support during his lifetime and for this generous bequest. His forward-thinking will enrich the lives of many future students,” said FSU President Maria Rose.

Arden Fisher of Fairmont, Waters’ cousin, served as executor of his estate and remembers Waters fondly.

“He took care of himself and his family. He maintained contact with his roots throughout his life. He was generous and humble. He never directly said so, but I’m sure that his focus and purpose was providing opportunity through education,” Fisher said.

 

About the photo:

Pictured from left to right are Will Armistead, President of the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc.; Arden Fisher; and Dr. Maria Rose, President of Fairmont State University.

William Claude WatersFairmont StateWill ArmisteadArden FisherSchool of EducationAlumniMaria Rose