Scholarships drive WVU student creators, developers and researchers on paths to success
August 21, 2025
West Virginia University scholarship recipients Ben Golden, Jayla Boyd and Reese Allen could never have imagined how philanthropic support would lead to unexpected opportunities that would shape their college careers and professional goals.
As a Neil S. Bucklew Scholarship recipient, Golden found he could study more than general business; he could fine-tune his studies down to a music business and industry degree. And, through donor support, Golden discovered he could do even more.
“Giving is important because it enables the recipient to completely focus on their studies and on the things that matter most to them rather than having to be weighed down by expensive costs,” Golden, a junior with a second major in music composition, said. “You can take on more classes. For me, I’m taking on two degrees. So, it’s enabled me to do twice as much.”