Eastern Wyoming College Receives Major Endowment Support

November 14, 2008

TORRINGTON, WY –

Long-time friend of Eastern Wyoming College Marian McElhaney has made a significant contribution to educational opportunity in eastern Wyoming through estate gifts totaling $813,000.00. An initial gift of $300,000 in 2008 created the Lloyd and Marian McElhaney Scholarship Endowment, which was matched with $300,000 through the State of Wyoming’s Community College Endowment Challenge program. An additional $513,000 from the estate has been received, and will add directly to this endowment and be similarly matched with State Endowment Challenge funds, bringing the total scholarship amount to over $1.6 million.

Mrs. McElhaney’s first gift to EWC came in 1996 with the establishment of the Lloyd and Marian McElhaney scholarship. In 2001 the College’s nationally-recognized veterinary technology program benefited from Mrs. McElhaney’s generosity when she donated funds to help purchase property and construct the College’s large animal surgery at its north campus. In the years following her first gift, Mrs. McElhaney continued to support EWC by funding scholarships, program development and campus improvements Former EWC Foundation board member Jim Rogers noted that “It’s obvious that a gift such as this wasn’t something new for Marian. She had been donating to organizations that involve young people for as long as we’d known her. Marian’s wealth never meant very much to her. Her enjoyment occurred when she could use her money to help others. She was just a choice person.”

Eastern Wyoming College is celebrating its 60th year as a strong component of higher education in Wyoming. The McElhaney gift along with those from other special friends of the College provides significant leadership and determination to expand and solidify educational opportunities for hundreds of people whose lives are changed through their commitment and generosity.

Further information on making a difference in the lives of students through philanthropy, and information on the current State Endowment Challenge matching program can be obtained through the EWC office of development.