WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — The West Liberty University Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Virginia Lee Joseph Scholarship, a permanently endowed fund created by brothers Dr. Daniel and Brian Joseph in memory of their mother, Virginia Lee Joseph, a pioneering aviator who earned her pilot’s license in the 1950s.
The scholarship will support female students pursuing careers in aviation, continuing Virginia’s legacy and passion for flight. As one of the few women to earn a pilot’s license during a time when aviation was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Virginia Joseph exemplified courage, determination, and trailblazing spirit, qualities her sons hope to inspire in future generations of women aviators.
“We wanted to honor our mother’s remarkable life and her love of flying by helping other women take to the skies,” said Daniel Joseph. “This scholarship is a tribute to her legacy and a way to open doors for young women who share her dream.”
Brian Joseph added, “Our mother believed in breaking barriers. Through this scholarship, we hope to empower women to pursue aviation with confidence and purpose.”
The Joseph brothers are both WLU Alumni and members of the Alumni Wall of Honor. Daniel, who has practiced orthodontia in Wheeling for 45 years, has served as president of the Wheeling District Dental Society and the West Virginia Orthodontic Association and as president and treasurer of the West Virginia Dental Association. He has served on the West Liberty University Board of Governors and is a member and past Chairman of the WLU Foundation Board of Directors.
Brian is President, CEO and founder of Touchstone Research Laboratory which has created hundreds of inventions with extraordinary success in materials development, new products, and aerospace testing. Brian is a member and past president of the J.B. Chambers Foundation and served as chairman of the West Liberty University Board of Governors.
The Virginia Lee Joseph Scholarship will be administered by the West Liberty University Foundation and awarded annually to female students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to a career in aviation.
“We are deeply grateful to Dan and Brian Joseph for their generosity and vision,” said Betsy Delk, Executive Director of the WLU Foundation. “This scholarship not only honors a remarkable woman but also creates meaningful opportunities for future female aviators.”
For more information about the Virginia Lee Joseph Scholarship or to contribute to the fund, please contact Betsy Delk, WLU Foundation Executive Director at 304-336-8847 or visit wlufoundation.org.
For information about aviation careers at West Liberty University, contact Aviation Coordinator Tasha Taylor at 304-336-8004 or ttaylor@westliberty.edu or visit westliberty.edu/aviation.
West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students’ aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. To apply or learn more about West Liberty University, visit westliberty.edu.
Media Contact:
Rhone Thrash
West Liberty University
rhone.thrash@westliberty.edu
