The Gift that Keeps on Giving

As the beloved librarian at South Middle School in Martinsburg, WV, Nancy Needy '55 loved her students and touched the lives of many throughout her long and rewarding career in public education. As a lifelong proponent of learning, she will touch many more through the Nancy E. Needy Scholarship, established through a bequest in her will before her passing on April 6, 2017, at the age of 84.

Nancy graduated from Shepherd College in 1955 with a major in secondary education. But she was also a student of life, having traveled to many parts of the United States and overseas before and after her retirement. She also served as a long-time volunteer at the Interstate 81 Visitors Center near Marlowe, WV, as well as a hostess for the Berkeley County House and Garden Tour, and was a season ticket holder at Shenandoah University Conservatory for many years. Throughout her life, Nancy also remained actively involved with her alma mater as a member of the Scarborough Society at Shepherd University, Phi Sigma Chi, and Women Investing at Shepherd (WISH).

Nancy's intense loyalty and commitment to Shepherd resulted in her decision to share her lifelong financial achievements with Shepherd University. In doing so, she became a member of the Joseph P. McMurran Society, ensuring that her legacy will endure through the countless deserving students who will benefit from her generosity and foresight.