Marshall University Foundation
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Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
Marshall receives one of largest gifts ever from an individual; estate of Bliss Livingston Charles leaves $2.8 million
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University today announced it has received one of the largest individual gifts in its 167-year history.
The estate of Bliss Livingston Charles, a former Certified Public Accountant and Attorney at Law in the Huntington area, left Marshall $2.8 million. Charles, though not a graduate of the university, was a great fan and strong supporter of Marshall. He was 92 years old when he died on June 21, 2003 – one year after he retired.
The gift was announced at the Drinko Library during a ceremony in which a plaque displaying Charles’ name was unveiled. It will be added to the Pathway of Prominence on Marshall’s campus. The Pathway, which now has 15 members, honors those who have given $1 million or more to Marshall.
“This is a remarkable gift,” said Glen Kerkian, Senior Vice President for Development at Marshall. “Not only is this a substantial amount, but the nature of the gift will allow the university greater latitude in its funding of worthwhile projects. Clearly, Mr. Charles had great foresight as to the impact of Marshall University on this region.”
A. Michael Perry, Chairman of Marshall’s Board of Governors and longtime friend of Charles, praised him as “a true community person.”
“Even though Bliss was not a graduate of Marshall, he realized the importance of the university, not only in the education of students, but in its economic and cultural benefits for the community,” Perry said.
Charles was born Oct. 7, 1910, in West Union (Adams County), Ohio, a son of Olen G. and Nellie Miller Charles. He graduated from Huntington High School in 1928, then briefly attended Marshall College. He enrolled at the University of Illinois, from where he graduated in 1932. Charles also was a 1953 graduate of the Ohio State University College of Law. He was admitted to the West Virginia Bar Association in 1954.
During World War II, Charles served as Chief Accountant at the T. & T. Ammunition Plant located in Point Pleasant, W.Va.
An avid golfer, he was a member of Guyan Golf and Country Club. He also was a member of the B.P.O. Elks 313 and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Longtime close friend Kyle Meabon said she and Charles attended many community functions, enjoyed Charles’ country retreat and loved to travel.
“He was a conservative and hard-working man,” Meabon said. “Mr. Charles would be proud that his wishes have been carried out and his contribution will be of great benefit and appreciated by Marshall University.”
Perry and Menis Ketchum, also a member of the Board of Governors, initiated the university’s recognition of Charles.