WEST LIBERTY — The pandemic has caused anxiety for many college students, and West Liberty University’s Foundation wants to help.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have received a generous pledge from donor William Brenner, to initiate the new Helping Hilltoppers fund,” said WLU Foundation Executive Director Angela Zambito-Hill. “These emergency funds will be used specifically for students affected by COVID-19 at this time of global crisis.”

Brenner, who resides in Chevy Chase, Md., will match the first $10,000 raised dollar for dollar, in memory of his wife, WLU alumna Loretta “Lucky” Brenner.

Lucky Wilson graduated from West Liberty in 1965 and the following year married Bill Brenner, an architect. She began her career as an English and art teacher, then went on to earn her Master of Social Work at Case-Western Reserve and spent the rest of her career as a social work professional in the Washington, D.C. area.

Thanks to her lifelong mentor Stanley Harrison, theatre director at West Liberty from 1962-79, she maintained her involvement with theatre as a member of the Chevy Chase Players.

The Helping Hilltoppers fundraising effort kicked off on May 26 and the eligibility of students who will benefit from the donations will be determined by the WLU Office of Financial Aid. Funds will not be available until July.