Death of WFU admissions dean creates outpouring of support for memorial scholarship

Alumni and friends of Wake Forest University have donated more than $200,000 to support a scholarship fund in memory of former Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid William G. Starling, just nine days after he unexpectedly died.

Two alumni and their families have made pace-setting commitments to the new endowed Starling Scholarship fund. The first-$150,000-comes from a Wake Forest graduate who served on scholarship committees with Starling. Another $50,000 gift from a long-time friend and Wake Forest graduate will match dollar-for-dollar individual gifts made to the fund. To date, individual gifts to the fund total more than $7,000.

Starling died June 18 after becoming ill during an admissions program on campus. A Smithfield native, Starling was among the longest serving directors of admissions in the country. He marked 43 years of service to Wake Forest this month. More than 30,000 freshmen enrolled at Wake Forest during his tenure.

Donations can be made on-line to the Starling Scholarship fund or by calling the University Advancement Office at 336-758-6079.

Categories: University Announcement