$3.2 Million Gift Endows Center for Human disAbilities
Arthur and Elizabeth Kellar of Fairfax have made a $3.2-million donation designated for the university's Center for Human disAbilities, which will be renamed the Helen A. Kellar Center for Human disAbilities in memory of their daughter. Arthur Kellar, a trustee of the George Mason University Foundation from 1990 to 1995, is the former chairman of E-Z Communications.
"The Kellars' remarkable gift will benefit both the university and the community in the area of learning disabilities, allowing the university to create new educational opportunities, bring together experts in the field, broaden research initiatives, and coordinate existing and future services," says George Mason President Alan Merten.
According to Barbara J. Fried, chairman of the George Mason University Foundation, the gift is one of the largest in its 32-year history. "We are deeply grateful for the Kellars' generosity and their leadership example of charitable giving," she says.
Governor James Gilmore also praised the Kellars' generosity, citing the benefit it will bring to higher education. "Private support of this kind is very important to the future of higher education in Virginia," Gilmore said. "This generous gift from Arthur and Elizabeth Kellar will enhance George Mason University's ability to add to its superior quality of education through educational opportunities for students with learning disabilities and research into this field. This commitment establishes Virginia and George Mason University as leaders in the study of learning disabilities and technology-related educational programming," he said.
The Center for Human disAbilities is a component of the university's Graduate School of Education (GSE). Its mission is to improve the lives and productivity of children and adults with disabilities in Northern Virginia, the Washington metropolitan area, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The largest donation ever for the GSE, this gift also will endow graduate fellowships and a distinguished professorship at the center in the name of Helen A. Kellar.
Gary R. Galluzzo, GSE dean, noted, "We greatly appreciate that the Kellars have joined in our efforts to help individuals with learning disabilities and their families. Their generous gift will have a deep and lasting impact, providing much-needed support and encouragement to children and adults who may not be receiving the proper assistance to allow them to function at their highest abilities and have the quality of lives they deserve."