David and Mary Rogerson
Students at West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics will benefit from a devoted wife’s $100,000 scholarship gift in memory of her late husband of 62 years.
High school sweethearts Mary Frances Martin Rogerson and her husband, David, came to WVU together and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in business and finance, respectively, in 1958. Her scholarship gift established the David C. & Mary F. Rogerson Business Scholarship, which goes to students from West Virginia majoring in any Chambers College program.
“The David C. & Mary F. Rogerson Business Scholarship paves the way for the next generation of Mountaineers to prepare for – and lead – the future of business in West Virginia,” said Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean. “The incredible generosity of dedicated alums like the Rogersons creates college access for students that may not have been possible otherwise.”
Mary Frances Rogerson, of Austin, Texas, said she and her husband talked about establishing a scholarship, but the timing was never right until recently.
“I hope it gives someone an opportunity they might not have had,” she said. “Maybe it will make it a little easier for someone who could struggle through, but this would help them. And perhaps it entices someone to stay in West Virginia to do better things for our state. My husband and I didn’t stay in West Virginia, but I’m still very proud to be a West Virginian.”
The Rogersons met growing up in Moundsville, West Virginia, and married after their sophomore year at WVU. Mary Frances said they always had fond memories of their time in Morgantown, including dances at the Mountainlair and fraternity/sorority activities. David belonged to Phi Delta Theta, while Mary Frances belonged to Alpha Delta Pi.
Following graduation, David served 20 years in the United States Army as a military pilot, including three tours in Vietnam. The Rogersons traveled across the country as their family grew to include four children – daughter Laurie and sons Douglas, Clinton and Scot. Along the way, Mary Frances earned a master’s degree in library science from Florida State University and later worked as a U.S. Army librarian.
Following David’s military retirement, the Rogersons settled near Fort Hood, Texas, where he purchased and managed rental properties. David’s passion for flying continued into his 80s, and the couple occasionally used their plane to fly back to Morgantown, where they visited WVU’s campus and more. David passed away March 19, 2019, at the age of 83.
The Rogersons’ gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.