One of the things we enjoy most about our job here at The Foundation is the opportunity to help donors achieve their charitable giving goals – whether that be creating a fund to support an area nonprofit organization or creating a scholarship to support students pursuing a post-secondary education or career to technical education training.

Recently, a donor came to us with a desire to create a scholarship in loving memory of her husband. The Thomas “Tommy” Stump Memorial Scholarship, created by his wife Kathryn Stump, will be awarded to students from the Dan River Region who are pursuing a degree at Virginia Tech. Students who have demonstrated a devotion to academics, or are otherwise talented, and who have a need for financial support will be considered for this scholarship.

Tommy attended Chatham High School and graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor of science degree in animal science. He worked at First Piedmont Corporation where he held the position of president and CEO from 1980-2021. During his life, he was very active in the community, serving on a variety of boards including Boys and Girls Club of Danville/Pittsylvania, Chatham Rotary Club, Danville Regional Foundation, United Way, Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Tech 4-H Board.

His volunteer service led to many honors and recognition including Board Member of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club of Danville/Pittsylvania, Paul Harris Fellow for the Chatham Rotary Club, Hall of Fame Inductee for the National Waste and Recycling Association and the Outstanding Jaycee Award for the Chatham Jaycees.

Kathryn shared the following about her husband: “Tommy was a giving person. He gave his money and his heart to help others. He was a gentle soul and a true southern gentleman. He was a true leader from an early age and until his death. His faith carried him through his life; and caring for others and love for his family and friends will be his legacy.”

The Foundation is honored to be the caretakers of this scholarship. If you would like to honor Tommy by adding to the scholarship, you can give directly to the scholarship online, mail a check or stop by The Foundation’s office.