PARKERSBURG — At West Virginia University at Parkersburg, the spirit of Nancy Rauch Harris lives on through a newly established scholarship fund dedicated to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on campus.

This is the first scholarship of this kind for the foundation.

Those interested in making a donation can contribute by visiting https://wvu-at-parkersburg-foundation.square.site/ or by mailing a check to the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation at 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg, WV 26104.

Named the Nancy Rauch Harris Memorial Scholarship, this initiative serves as a tribute to Harris, renowned for her unwavering dedication to students and her pivotal roles as career services executive director and chair of the DEI Committee. Throughout her tenure, her impact reverberated across WVUP, where she championed initiatives to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and create equitable opportunities for all.

Reflecting on her influence, Torie Jackson, WVUP President, said, “Nancy loved her job. She always said helping students was the best job in the world. It was her goal to help them see possibilities instead of complications, to imagine new life opportunities instead of seeing societal stereotypes. Mostly, she took time for students and helped them find the beginning of their paths to success.”

The scholarship, spearheaded by her wife and WVUP’s Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration Alice Harris seeks to ensure that her legacy endures through tangible support for students committed to advancing DEI causes.

“Nancy was a force of nature and a champion of underdogs, marginalized and disregarded people,” Jackson said. “Her motto ‘Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, valued and loved’ is how she lived her life. Since Nancy’s passing, so many people have shared with me their stories of the unsung actions inspired by her beautiful heart. Most of these stories I was unaware of because Nancy did not seek personal glory. Her satisfaction came from knowing that she had made someone’s life a little easier. We would all do well to try to emulate her actions. She made me and those around her see the pain of others and do what they could to help. She inspired us to be better people.”

Jackson hopes that the scholarship will encourage students to live the college’s mission like Harris did.

“Our college mission tasks us with providing life-changing educational opportunities in a safe and supportive environment. We live that mission at WVUP, just as Nancy did in her life. Every student that is helped will know of Nancy’s story and her ability to overcome to find love, happiness and joy in her life and her occupation,” she said.

The influence of Harris extended far beyond administrative roles; she touched lives with her compassion and generosity. Alice Harris said, “She inspired me in so many ways, and that kind of passion should not die when a person leaves the earth. This memorial scholarship will ensure that current and future leaders of the college are reminded of her work and is a way for her to continue to teach others the value of helping those who just need a little break to change their life in a positive direction.”

Nancy Harris made an effort to make everyone feel welcomed and special in her presence whether through visits throughout the campus or special gifts and notes.

“Nancy gave me a compass with the latitude and longitude of WVUP. She had my name engraved in it and told me to use it whenever I traveled so I would always find my way back home. Yes, she referred to WVUP as my home. The day the BOG announced me as president, she hugged me and cried. She said she knew that I believed in her and I would always treat her with respect. She told me she loved me more than once, but soon after she came home from the hospital, she promised to be an angel for me and said she would love me always. That’s a legacy,” Jackson said.

For Alice Harris, the establishment of the Nancy Rauch Harris Memorial Scholarship signifies more than financial aid; it represents a lasting tribute to her selfless spirit.

“A life lived with love and kindness to those who need it most should never be forgotten,” Alice Harris said. “This scholarship will help ensure that Nancy’s light will shine forever.”

“When I first met Nancy, she was struggling to make ends meet financially and to finish raising her youngest son. She lived paycheck to paycheck and often ate peanut butter sandwiches so she could make ends meet. One day I was with her in Grantsville where she was living at the time, and a lady and her teenage son came up to her and threw their arms around her neck to thank her for her gift of a new pair of sneakers for the boy. Everybody was beaming and the feeling of thankfulness and love was overpowering. But, knowing her financial situation, I later asked her how she could afford to buy this young boy the shoes and I will never forget her answer. She said ‘I saw the boy in the local store and I overheard him tell his mom how his shoes had holes in them and how much they hurt his feet because they were too small and that the children in his class were making fun of him. His need was greater than mine so I used most of my grocery money to buy him a modest pair of sneakers. Eating peanut butter sandwiches for a few weeks was a small price to pay to make that child’s life better and keep him from being bullied because his family was too poor to buy him shoes.’ That is just one of many examples of her compassion and willingness to give her last dollar to help another. She lived and modeled her motto.”

Olivia Reeder, the Executive Director of the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation emphasized the scholarship’s significance, “The Nancy Rauch Harris Memorial Scholarship reflects Nancy’s passionate commitment to fostering inclusivity and will empower future leaders to continue her transformative work.”