Collegiate Alumnae of Wheeling

Collegiate Alumnae of Wheeling is an independent group of women whose goal is to encourage and assist young women attending college in West Virginia.  The idea began in 1908 when a few college-educated women began granting loans to young women attending college. Over the past 100 years this process has evolved into providing scholarships for young women.

 

The role of women in society, business, education, medicine and politics has changed greatly since the first meeting of Collegiate Alumnae in 1908; yet, the need of young women for financial assistance has not. It is still a hardship for many who desire to attend college.

 

In the fall of each year Collegiate women host a reception for new citizens after their induction ceremony at the Federal Courthouse in Wheeling. 

We do not host fundraising events—the scholarships each year come from dues and donations. 

 

Members also meet at noon on the second Saturday of October, November, December, March, and April to have lunch, enjoy a short program and discuss organizational matters. We welcome anyone who joins us for lunch and the program. The lunch fee is $15 (with a few exceptions for special events). A membership application is available for download here.

 

The Collegiate Alumnae of Wheeling meetings are held in various churches in the Wheeling area. See a detailed list of the annual meeting schedule and short programs here.

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In special recognition of the organization's founder, Agnes Westbrook Morrison, the Collegiate Alumnae of Wheeling donated $1,000 to the West Virginia University Foundation, which manages an annual law student scholarship for women. The top photo shows the presentation of this scholarship donation.

 

The image at bottom shows the 2025 Collegiate Alumnae of Wheeling West Liberty scholarship winner, Leah Loudin, the current organization president, Carol Varner, Scholarship Chair, Gig Meredith, and West Liberty Foundation executive director, Betsy Delk.