Jeff and Mary Key make $100,000 gift to enhance scholarship fund
When asked why he gives back to his alma mater, Jeff Key (’90) says it’s because WKU shaped his life and helped make him who he is—a feeling many Hilltoppers share.
“I feel that it is only right to give back and help where I can,” Key said. “If it wasn’t for Western, I wouldn’t have the ability to do that.”
To enhance the Jeff and Mary Key Scholarship and ensure students receive a substantial scholarship, the Keys recently made a gift of $100,000. The Jeff and Mary Key Scholarship was established in 2017 by the Key Family, which consists of Mary and Jeff Key, Jessie Key (’17) and Shelby Key (’19), to benefit WKU students from Central Hardin High School and Glendale, Ky.
Key was inspired to establish the scholarship because of two educators who influenced him as a young adult and that receiving a scholarship himself helped him attend WKU.
“Two people in education made a tremendous impact on my life: Charles Young of East Hardin High School and Dee Gibson at WKU,” Key said. “They both took the time to show an interest in my future when I was very young, and I want to do that for others.
“I received a scholarship—a small one—but that made me feel really special,” Key added. “It made a big difference to me and changed my outlook. I feel like if I can provide that to another young person and hopefully help change their life, that’s my responsibility now.”
As Key continues to demonstrate, philanthropy is more than just financial support.
“Giving of your time is as important as giving of your money, and sometimes it’s even more important,” Key said. “It is easy to write a check, but I think if you care enough about an institution, you should give back of your time as well.”
Key served on the WKU Alumni Association National Board of Directors from 2016 to 2019, and he is a dedicated advocate for young people to consider WKU.
“I recently saw a young lady who I’ve known for many years who shared she was planning to attend another school in Kentucky for journalism, but I said, ‘what about WKU,’” Key said. “I helped make sure she visited campus and had a tour. Not long after, she told me she’s going to be a Hilltopper. That will forever change her trajectory, and I know that feeling.”
“Alumni like Jeff, who not only create opportunities for WKU students through philanthropy but who also give their time and personally recruit and encourage students, embody the WKU Spirit we celebrate,” said WKU President Timothy C. Caboni. “We often talk about the WKU Family, and Jeff is a great example of how our tradition of helping others continues.”
“I feel like I owe so much to Western and the people who helped me,” Key said. “I know how lucky I am, and I just want to give back. Every little bit we do helps shape the future of the organization.”
“We are thankful to Jeff and the Key family for their continued support to provide resources for students from Central Hardin High School and Glendale, Ky.,” said Donald Smith, President of the College Heights Foundation. “Their philanthropy can serve as inspiration to other alumni and friends who may be considering giving back. There are many ways you can be involved in the life of the institution and ensure WKU continues to serve our students and community in perpetuity.”
Key shared that he intends to continue to grow the scholarship fund to benefit more students from the area he calls home.
The Jeff and Mary Key Scholarship is administered by the College Heights Foundation at WKU.
For more information, contact Jessica Carver at (270) 745-2342.
Posted by Leah Cummings
Nov. 16, 2022
WKU Philanthropy Recognition Program
By making a gift to WKU, donors share in the proud tradition that allows the University to achieve greater distinction and serve more people each year. We believe the greatest thanks we can show is through the responsible use of each gift and sharing how private support has made a difference at WKU. Therefore, we are happy to honor donors for their philanthropy through one, all or a combination of four recognition areas.
By publicly recognizing our donors, we believe others will be motivated to join their peers in giving back to the institution that has given them so much. If a donor wishes to remain anonymous, we will honor that request to the extent allowed by law.
Lifetime – Cumulative giving over time – Henry Hardin Cherry Society
The lifelong dedication of our most generous supporters can be seen through the overall impact of their philanthropy. Recognition begins when a donor’s cumulative gifts total $25,000 or more.