Dedicated WVU alumni give back to their alma mater with the Cynthia and Keith Harvey Engineering Scholarship

West Virginia University alumni Keith and Cindy Harvey have established a scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering. (Submitted Photo)

Understanding the financial challenges ahead of students today, Keith Harvey, president and CEO of Kaiser Aluminum, and his wife, Cindy Harvey, have donated $50,000 to West Virginia University to establish a scholarship for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering.

Story by Ruthie Deely, Graduate Assistant

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Keith and Cindy Harvey are both graduates of WVU. A native of Beckley, West Virginia, Keith Harvey is a former graduate of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and Cindy Harvey graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

According to Keith Harvey, studying at WVU was the only option he ever considered. Their love for the area, the University and desire to help others pursue their education influenced their wish to give back. 

“I have always wanted to give back to WVU for the great learning and fun we experienced there,” Keith Harvey said. “It is important to us to offer financial assistance to worthy individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford a degree, much as my wife and I were challenged when we attended the University.” 

“My husband nor myself came from wealth and had to take out student loans to attend college,” Cindy Harvey said. “We are hoping to ease the burden for students to reach their full potential.”

After completing his degree in industrial engineering in 1981, Keith Harvey earned a position at Kaiser Aluminum on the manufacturing development program. Harvey progressed steadily at the company and recently was named president and CEO after a successful 40-year career. The couple now resides in California, near the company’s headquarters.

“Attending WVU and majoring in industrial engineering was the best decision I have ever made,” Keith Harvey said. “The education was appropriately diversified to allow me to go into any industry or discipline with confidence of being successful. We were extremely well prepared for the ‘real world.’”

Keith Harvey and his wife are grateful for the memories and relationships they made during their time studying in Morgantown and hope their gift will help future students create similar memories.

“We hope our small gift helps someone else create the same opportunities we experienced at WVU, building lasting friendships and setting a foundation for a fruitful career,” Keith Harvey said. 

“Because of our positive time at WVU and our ability to give back, we thought it was important to help students in some way to reach their goals,” Cindy Harvey added.

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