Drive That Empowers Others: UVA Wise Honors Stills as Benefactors of Year
Andrew J. and Lois Ann “Delores” Roark Still have known the purpose of their lives from a very young age. Neither had an easy path in life, or to attending college. But through hard work and a drive to succeed, they not only persisted but flourished, not unlike many students who attend the University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise).
“Delores” began selling candy at age seven to earn spending money to pay for book fees, supplies, paper and pencils, lunches, snacks and education, which in doing so helped out her family’s finances. She later worked a full-time as well as a part-time jobs while attending Virginia Intermont College. Andy earned a basketball scholarship, studied at Clinch Valley College (CVC) and graduated from Tusculum College, but supplemented that by working for the forest service fighting wild fires every summer.
After graduation, Andy taught high school, earned a graduate degree from the University of Virginia, and worked for Raytheon before earning his contractor’s license and developing a subdivision with “Delores.” Before the development of Glen Haven, she led sales efforts at L.M. Barry, where she formed deep professional relationships with her customers and routinely won awards and honors such as trips to Las Vegas, Nassau, and other locations.
The Stills have given $6.5 million in gifts to UVA Wise, and for that generosity they are being celebrated as the 2024 UVA Wise Benefactors of the Year.
“While in school as a teenager, I read in the newspaper about people who gave money to colleges and universities, but I never thought I’d be able to do that,” said “Delores.” “By touching someone in need, you spread good will. That person, if they have the drive and ambition, has the opportunity to empower their life and future. This helps not only their lives but their families’ lives as well.”
The scholarships the Stills have created at the College are aimed at helping students like them—highly driven future leaders who have the work ethic characteristic of individuals from our local regions and throughout central Appalachia.
The Stills have established two scholarships at UVA Wise. The Albert M. Still and Blanche N. Still Scholarship will support graduates of high schools in Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell and Wise counties and the City of Norton. The Andy and Lois Ann “Delores” Roark Still Scholarship will support students from communities where coal mining has been an economic driver, including Southwest Virginia, eastern Kentucky and northeast Tennessee.
“We’ve talked to a few students at the Scholarship Luncheon and got to see how they liked the school. Every one we’ve talked to has been positive on UVA Wise and they love the school,” said Andy. “I’m glad the College caters to people from our area. We want to make sure the kids that get our scholarships are in need of one. They don’t necessarily need to be an A student; it’s more important that they have the drive, ambition and desire to succeed.”
Andy points out that going to college is an opportunity to learn self-discipline, a value he holds with “Delores,” who not only succeeded in her career but often worked additional jobs and bought her mother’s first automatic washing machine and dryer while still selling candy in high school.
“I got pleasure out of buying things for my parents where they couldn’t afford extras,” “Delores” says. “We made a living for ourselves and we hope to make a life for others.”
Co-chair of the Honor the Future Campaign and Vice Chair of the UVA Wise College Board Lewey K. Lee knows they have.
“Andrew and ‘Delores’ have been steadfast supporters of the University of Virginia’s College at Wise since 2012,” Lee says. “They are engaged and loyal. They love meeting everybody from students, faculty and staff to other donors, and enjoy learning about their path in life, and thank them.”
For their generosity, UVA Wise has named its newest residence hall the Andrew J. Still and Lois Ann “Delores” Roark Still Residence Hall.