A Generational Impact

William “Bill” Wheeler, B’52, always spoke highly of his educational experience at the University of Richmond. Though Bill passed away in 2009, he left a legacy that will have a life-changing impact on generations of deserving Spiders.
 
A $1.5 million gift from Bill’s estate will be used to support the Charles H., III, and Elizabeth D. Wheeler Scholarship.
 
Dr. Charles Wheeler – Bill’s uncle – served Richmond from 1928 to 1975 as a mathematics professor, University treasurer, and vice president for Financial Affairs and Business, making key contributions that helped the institution achieve prominence. He and his wife, Elizabeth Darracott Wheeler, W’38, established their endowed scholarship in 1985 to help meritorious students with financial need. Since then, the scholarship has supported 44 students.
 
“My father had a tremendous amount of pride for Uncle Charles,” said Lauren Wheeler, Bill’s daughter. “He saw himself as following in Charles’ footsteps by coming from a modest background, getting a quality education, and creating a meaningful career.”
 
Born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia, Bill was student body president during his time at Richmond and graduated with a business degree. After receiving his MBA from Harvard Business School, he served in the U.S. Navy. He later worked as an analyst on Wall Street before deciding to enter the U.S. Foreign Service, for which he served as a government diplomat and statesman in Nigeria, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Bill retired as a senior diplomat of the U.S. Agency for International Development.
 
“He had a sincere passion for helping those around him,” said Daniel Wheeler, ’10, Bill’s grandson. “He felt he was fortunate to be given the opportunities he had, and in many ways, his contribution to the University is helping to give someone else an opportunity. He believed that education is one of the greatest achievements a person can pursue.”
 
When you include a gift to Richmond as part of your legacy, you join generations of Spiders in ensuring that the University and its mission will endure for generations to come. To learn more, visit the Gift Planning website or contact giftplanning@richmond.edu.