New Scholarship Fund Established to Support Fayette and Raleigh County Students Attending WVU Tech

​Gary S. Begley has recently established a scholarship fund in memory of his wife, Wava Jean Wiley Robbins, who passed away on February 25, 2024. The name “WAVA” stands for “With Ambition, Victories Await.” The WAVA Scholarship Fund will assist students from Fayette and Raleigh Counties who are attending West Virginia University Institute of Technology to further their post-secondary education. This scholarship is renewable.

“As the most affordable four-year university in Southern WV, WVU Tech is committed to providing a high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable,” said Dr. Ramon Stuart, President of WVU Tech. “The generosity of the Wava Jean Wiley Robbins family makes higher education more accessible for students from Fayette and Raleigh Counties, and we are proud to help these ambitious graduating seniors achieve the victories that await them.”

Wava was a former hospitality waitress, and in her leisure time, she enjoyed bowling at Pinheads Bowling Alley, where she developed many friendships and was beloved by all. She especially cherished spending time with her grandchildren. Wava always desired to support ambitious people who work hard to achieve their dreams. 

“March 21, 1981, the day I met Wava at Three Gables, a place where many local romances began. I remember a friend she was with came over and asked me to join them. I was shy and reluctant at first, but after a second request, I joined Wava and her friend at their table. Small talk began, and we had a fascinating conversation. It took me a few days to gather the courage to call her for a second date. Surprisingly, she said yes, and off we went on our journey together— a journey that spanned 43 years,” said Gary, her husband.

​“We both believed that when you find that special one, you make it work no matter what the circumstance is, and that’s exactly what we did. I feel so blessed to have had her by my side all these years. I will think of her daily and miss her terribly. I thank all of you who kept her in your prayers and for being her friend. She loved each of you dearly.”

Anyone interested in donating to the WAVA Scholarship Fund can mail contributions, with “WAVA” in the memo, to Beckley Area Foundation, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801. Donations can also be made online by clicking the button below. For those interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, please call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].

Support the WAVA Scholarship Fund