Potomac State College of West Virginia University receives estate gift from alumnus and wife

Potomac State College of West Virginia University has received an estate gift in the amount of $310,000 from alumnus Harry W. Porter III and his wife, Rebecca Franklin-Porter. When Rebecca Franklin-Porter’s estate is settled, further funding for the college is expected in addition to the funding from the couple’s estate. The funding is flexible, allowing the college to utilize the funding for whatever it sees fit.

According to an article on Potomac State College’s website, Megan Webb, who serves as the college’s Director of Development, was quoted as saying of the  gift, “Harry and Becky Porter’s generosity is both humbling and transformational for our campus community. Their unrestricted planned gift allows President Wallace to meet the College’s greatest needs — not just today, but well into the future. This kind of flexible support creates a ripple effect that will touch every corner of PSC, from classrooms and labs to student life programs, ensuring that current and future Catamounts have opportunities to thrive. We are profoundly grateful for the Porters’ vision and their deep belief in the power of education to change lives."

Harry Porter graduated from Potomac State College in 1959 before going on to earn a degree in political science from WVU Morgantown. He served in the US Army and then worked in the FBI in Detroit, New York City, Chicago, Houston, and Washington, D.C. Rebecca Franklin-Porter was also working for the FBI as a secretary when she and Harry married in 1978. She also worked for the US Air Force until 1998. 

The couple was married for 35 years until Harry Porter passed away in 2014. Rebecca Franklin-Porter passed away in 2024. 

The college’s president, Jerry Wallace, said, “WVU Potomac State College has a rich history of donors who care about the college and want to preserve the culture of community on campus. This gift will help expand our programs and support for PSC employees and students to get involved on campus and in our local communities.”

Sabrina Cave, who serves as the president of the PSC Alumni Association, added, “Harry and Becky Porter’s generous gift is a testament to their commitment to helping West Virginia University Potomac State College students succeed. This gift will allow President Wallace the ability to identify the College’s greatest needs. I am so thankful for alumni and donors like Harry and Becky.”

For more information about Potomac State College, visit the school’s website.