MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Use

CONTACT:      Paul D. Daugherty, Executive Director               (304) 424-8340  (O)                                  Email:  Paul.Daugherty@mail.wvu.edu                             

DATE:             10/28/2004

Area youth’s memory perpetuates through WVU at Parkersburg Foundation Scholarship

 A weekly, if not daily, four hour trip to take classes at West Virginia University at Parkersburg did not deter Kilian Felix Conlon from pursuing his dream of a college education. 

Kilian’s determination and commitment was noticed by many including his professors, family, and friends.  As a resident of Bebee, WV, 10 miles east of New Martinsville, Kilian traveled over 128 miles round trip, 2 to 4 days a week, to earn his Associate in Applied Science degree at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.  His goal was to become a top-notch, certified welder.

In December 2001, Kilian was set to graduate with his associate’s degree in welding, but a tragic accident in November suddenly ended Kilian’s life.  “Welding was Kilian’s love and Kilian’s art", noted his parents Steve and Ellie Conlon of Proctor, WV.  Not only was Kilian a full time student but he was also a full time apprentice with the Boilermakers Local 667.

When a great outpouring of memorial gifts were made by Kilian’s family and friends, Steve and Ellie decided to create a scholarship fund in his memory with the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation, Inc.  They used the many memorial gifts received from their family and friends in a way that would allow for the legacy of Kilian’s life to live on.  In December 2001, the Kilian Felix Conlon Memorial Scholarship – Young Welders Fund – was created with the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation.  Individuals can apply for the non-academic scholarship with only determination and commitment being required.   .  

Since 2001, the scholarship has assisted four students from Wetzel, Tyler, and the adjacent counties who want to develop strong technical careers.  The fund continues to grow thanks to memorial gifts made by caring neighbors, fellow boilermakers, friends, and family members.  This year’s scholarship recipient is 2004 Magnolia High School graduate Walker Howell.    

Kilian’s family and friends want to see that his scholarship fund continues to grow.  They encourage members of the community to support his memory by making a gift to the Conlon Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Now is a wonderful time to support the memory of Kilian and all contributions to the scholarship fund are tax deductible.  Steve and Ellie commented, “We hope that students who receive this memorial scholarship will also receive some of the ‘spark’ that was so much a part of Kilian’s life.”

Persons interested in contributing to this fund may contact the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation by calling (304) 424-8340, via email: wvupfoundinfo@mail.wvu.edu, or by mail: WVU at Parkersburg Foundation – Kilian Conlon Scholarship Fund, 300 Campus Drive, Parkersburg, WV  26104.