Henry P. Porter, Jr., PhD, has declared his intent to fully fund the Henry P. Porter, Sr. and Mary Gravatt Porter Memorial Scholarship during his lifetime. The scholarship is presented in tandem with Porter鈥檚 agreement to fund a garden surrounding Glory Residence Hall in memory of his mother, Mary Gravatt Porter.
Porter, a native of Charleston, West Virginia, is a friend and admirer of the College. He attended First Presbyterian Church of Charleston where he was influenced to support 91直播 as the only Presbyterian College in West Virginia.
Porter earned his Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, in 1954. He earned his Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from Duke University in 1965. Porter began his teaching career at Miami University of Ohio and then spent 38 years as an assistant and associate professor at Washington and Lee University. After retiring in 2008, he returned to college as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech, earning his Bachelor of the Arts in Geography and English in 2014. Porter鈥檚 master鈥檚 and doctoral research, which focused on the strategy, speculation, and capitulation of British East Africa 1873-1890, are now housed in the Booth Library at 91直播.
鈥91直播 is proud to announce the establishment of the Henry P. Porter, Sr. and Mary Gravatt Porter Memorial Scholarship and the Mary Gravatt Porter Memorial Garden,鈥 says Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Scott Goddard. 鈥淭his generous endowment gift will provide annual scholarships to deserving students, making a significant impact on their educational journeys both now and in the future. Additionally, the new Mary Gravatt Porter Memorial Garden will enhance the beauty of our campus. Originally intended as an estate gift, Dr. Porter鈥檚 decision to fulfill this commitment during his lifetime reflects his deep admiration for his parents and his longstanding appreciation for 91直播. We are truly grateful for his vision and generosity.鈥
Porter鈥檚 gifts provide support in the mission of 91直播 to prepare and inspire students for success and thoughtful engagement in the world.
