An endowed scholarship fund designed to help the children of Western Carolina University staff members attend Western is one step closer to reality, thanks to the contribution of $2,000 from an anonymous university employee.

With the contribution, the recently established Staff Forum Scholarship Fund stands at about $4,000 — still short of the goal of $10,000 that is necessary to create an endowed fund.

“On behalf of the members of the Staff Forum and all employees at Western, I would like to thank our benefactor for making this significant contribution to our scholarship fund,” said Terry Riouff, Staff Forum chair.

The Staff Forum is planning to hold a scholarship fund-raising event as part of the annual Mountain Heritage Day, set for Saturday, Sept. 24. Employees also may make contributions to the Staff Forum Scholarship Fund through the Family Campaign, and may do so through payroll deduction.

For more information about the Staff Forum Scholarship Fund, contact the Office of Annual Giving at 828.227.7124, or go to www.wcu.edu/Advancement/annualgiving. Forms are available online, or from the office at 401 H.F. Robinson Administration Building.