RADFORD -- The Virginia Council on Social Welfare (VCSW) has donated $25,000 to establish a scholarship for students in Radford University’s School of Social Work. President of the VCSW State Board Raleigh Campbell recently presented the check to School of Social Work Director Elise Fullmer.

The gift will establish endowed scholarships for social work majors and the School of Social Work will supplement the gift with an additional amount between $5,000 and $6,000, making the scholarship total more than $30,000. The school has the option to award the scholarship to one student or distribute it evenly among several students. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet academic and conduct standards and demonstrate financial need.

The scholarship at RU is the first to be established by the VCSW. The council has plans to establish similar scholarships at Virginia Commonwealth University and Norfolk State College later this year.

“RU was selected because of our long-standing bachelor’s program and our well-respected program. It is a compliment to us,” says Fullmer. Radford University is presently the only school in Southwest Virginia that has a master’s program in social work.

The Virginia Conference of Charities and Corrections was formed in 1900 with the purpose of advocating for social services in Virginia. The organization’s name was changed to The Virginia Council on Social Welfare in 1959. The mission of the VCSW was to “promote programs, policies and procedures which enhance the well being of individuals and families in the Commonwealth,” according to the mission statement adopted by the council in 1993.  

Now, after more than 100 years of service, the council has made the decision to dissolve as a formal organization; however, through supporting social work education and leadership in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the group is hopeful their legacy will continue.

“Our board, after long consideration, selected Radford University to carry on our mission,” says Campbell. “We know good works and good things are going to come out of this and we hope to expand the endowment.”

IN THE PHOTO: From left, Robyn Porterfield, director of corporate and foundation development for RU; Raymond N. Linville, dean of Waldron College of Health and Human Services; Beth Eversole, student in the School of Social Work; Joseph P. Scartelli, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs; Elise M. Fullmer, director of the School of Social Work; Raleigh Campbell, Roanoke coordinator for field experience; Doris DeLong, retired from social services in the Roanoke area; Faye Caldwell, retired from social services in the Roanoke area; and Roger Stultz, retired from social services in the Roanoke area.