A $1.25 million estate gift from a late WVU alumnus will benefit students in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. (WVU Photo/Garrett Cullen)
A late West Virginia University alum’s estate gift of $1.25 million aims to benefit students in the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources by expanding scholarship opportunities.
Charles Bentley Hodgkin earned bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and business management from WVU. Upon his passing in 2021, Hodgkin left the estate gift to establish the Charles Bentley Hodgkin Education Trust, which provides scholarships for WVU engineering students.
Statler College Glen H. Hiner Dean Pedro J. Mago is grateful for the gift Hodgkin left to the college and the opportunities it will provide for the students.
“Today, scholarships are more important than ever to ensure our students’ success,” Mago said. “The support we have received from the late loyal Mountaineer Charles Bentley Hodgkin’s estate gives our students the resources to excel and pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth. His legacy will live on through each student’s achievements, and it will have a significant impact on future generations.”
After graduation, Hodgkin worked for General Electric as a programmer. Maria Fowler, a friend and longtime co-worker who served as executor of his estate, said he was a hardworking and smart man who shared his intellect in ways that people at any level could understand.
Hodgkin enjoyed writing on his computer, doing research and exploring the medical side of engineering. According to Fowler, Hodgkin amazed doctors with his knowledge of their field.
He hoped his estate funds would be used to help residents of West Virginia get a better education and lead a better life.
Hodgkin’s trust gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
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