More than a decade after leaving West Virginia, an Ohio couple is renewing their commitment to the region with a $100,000 donation. The gift will support outreach and learning programs at West Virginia University’s Center for Community Engagement.
George Lee and Rosemary H. Fisher first came to West Virginia in 1975 when they bought a small farm in Braxton County. They owned the farm for nearly 40 years and became deeply connected to the local community.
“Our hearts have always been centered there, even though we’ve moved on to a different phase of our lives,” Lee said. “When you experience a place like West Virginia for so long, it naturally becomes part of you.”
Their donation creates the Lee and Rosemary Fisher Fund, which supports the Purpose2Action program. This program gives undergraduate students paid opportunities to work with nonprofits and public organizations on projects that serve the community. The Fishers asked that students from Braxton County and projects with Braxton County nonprofits receive priority.
The fund supports projects focused on youth education, entrepreneurship, technology, nutrition, veterans, animals, career development, and food insecurity.
“Students are eager to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges,” said Kristi Wood-Turner, director of the WVU Center for Community Engagement. “These experiences help students gain career skills while making a positive impact in local communities.”
The Fishers met while studying at Miami University in Ohio. Lee worked in corporate finance for the rail industry, and Rosemary was a schoolteacher. After retiring in the early 2000s, they moved full-time to their Braxton County farm, which had been a long-held dream.
“It was like going home,” Rosemary said.
They volunteered at Little Birch Elementary School and were active in the Braxton County Rotary Club. Lee also took leadership roles in state organizations focused on accountancy, broadband deployment, and technology. As a Vietnam War veteran, he was involved in veterans’ affairs.
In their free time, Lee enjoyed fishing, and Rosemary sewed and quilted. She has gifted over 100 quilts to friends and neighbors in West Virginia for special occasions and recognition.
The couple had already established a scholarship for Braxton County High School graduates who attend WVU.
“We’ve been blessed and believe in giving back,” Lee said. “Our parents taught us to help others who may be in worse situations. If you can help, you should.”
The Fishers noted that rural communities in central West Virginia face unique challenges that are often overlooked by residents of larger cities in the state. They want their gift to support these communities directly.
“When we made this gift, we wanted it to stay in central West Virginia,” Lee said.
Due to health issues, the Fishers returned to Ohio in 2013 but still visit Braxton County regularly. Lee has also taken many courses at Miami University during this time.
“The students’ service changes lives and enriches their education,” said Jorge Atiles, WVU’s Associate Vice President and Dean of the Division for Land-Grant Engagement. “We are grateful to donors like the Fishers who care deeply about West Virginia communities.”
The gift was made through the WVU Foundation, which manages private donations for the university.
