Kyle Wilkerson, son Milo and wife Tara Kreider (from left) are honoring Wilkerson's late grandparents' dedication to education with a gift that supports internships for undergraduate students at WVU Libraries.
An alum’s gift to the West Virginia University Libraries aims to help undergraduate students support their education through internships.
Kyle Wilkerson and his wife, Tara Kreider, established the Al and Rose Liller Memorial Fund to pay tribute to his late grandparents, who made sure each of their four children received something they never did – a college education. The fund provides financial support and opens up career opportunities for WVU students.
“I am so thankful for this creative and intelligent gift,” Karen Diaz, dean of WVU Libraries, said. “It helps the libraries meet the needs of our campus by employing an additional student worker, and it's of great benefit to the students who will serve in this internship. They will gain valuable educational and employment skills while receiving financial support. A campus library job is a great opportunity for any student!”
Wilkerson and his wife are both from Pennsylvania and received college degrees. Wilkerson earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from WVU, and his wife attended Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. They understand the financial challenges associated with higher education.
“We both appreciate how important access to education is and how expensive it can be,” Kreider said. “It would be really nice if we can alleviate a bit of the burden for the next generation of students.”
As the couple looked at ways to give back to the University, they felt it was right to honor Wilkerson's late grandparents' dedication to providing further education and helping students cover the costs through valuable work experience.
A new fund to support student internships at WVU Libraries is named for Rose and Al Liller, the grandparents of founding donor Kyle Wilkerson.
Wilkerson’s mother, wife and aunt all had careers at university libraries. They valued the experience, opportunities and resources it provided not only for them, but also for the students.
“This fund helps us employ a much-needed student worker, while directly assisting them in paying for college and living costs,” Paula Martinelli, director of development for WVU Libraries, said. “Our student workers take away a lifelong love of libraries. We would love to continue building support for this program and these students.”
Being a proud Mountaineer is a family tradition for Wilkerson. His mother, father, brother and many extended family members all attended the University.
“When your entire family goes there, it is ingrained in you,” Wilkerson said. “I am excited to be able to share this gift with my extended family and continue to share my love of WVU with others, especially my 3-year-old son.”
Wilkerson and Kreider currently reside in Columbus, Ohio, where they divide their time between work and raising their son. Wilkerson works in sales and his wife works for the Ohio State University Foundation.
The couple’s gift was made through WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.