HUNTINGTON — The Chafin Law Firm has established a scholarship at Marshall University to help those impacted by the opioid epidemic who are seeking a degree.
H. Truman Chafin and Letitia "Tish" Neese Chafin both graduated from Marshall University with marketing degrees in 1967 and 1986. They chose to establish the scholarship at Marshall to help give those impacted an education to help them in their future.
In response to the adverse effects of the opioid epidemic on families, the Chafins created the scholarship to support students facing similar challenges.
"Our firm was honored to represent 33 West Virginia counties and cities in the opioid litigation," Tish Chafin said to The West Virginia Record. "We saw firsthand how drug addiction can tear families apart and cause some students to face challenges that other students may not."
Tish Chafin said they hope the recipient of the scholarship can go forward on a positive path.
"We wanted to help students in Southern West Virginia who may be affected by the opioid epidemic in some way and give them the gift that keeps on giving, which is education," Tish Chafin said. "An education that will give them hope for their future and set them on a positive path in life to rise above the negative impact of the opioid crisis that has unfortunately touched their lives."
The Chafin Law Firm is located in Mingo County and is a specialized practice. The firm is known for its representation of West Virginia counties seeking damages from drug manufacturers amidst the opioid epidemic.
"We’re honored to have represented the counties and cities in this terrible situation, particularly what’s happened to southern West Virginia," Truman Chafin said to The Marshall University Foundation. "We wanted to do anything we can to the community who helped us.”
Truman Chafin said giving back in where the real happiness lies.
Amy Saunders, managing director for Marshall’s Center of Excellence for Recovery, expressed gratitude for the Chafins’ generosity, recognizing the positive impact the scholarship will have. The Center of Excellence for Recovery is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of West Virginians through various initiatives.
"We are grateful for the Chafins’ generosity for creating this funding for our students from Mingo County," Saunders said to The Marshall University Foundation. "Many West Virginia youth and families have been affected by opioids and other substance use disorders. This funding will allow us to assist a student who has already worked very hard to overcome challenges in their family and community to provide support to reach their academic dream."
The scholarship is designated for a full-time student with demonstrated financial need as per the standards of the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Preference will be given to a student from Mingo County.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, or eight semesters, provided the recipient maintains a good academic standing of 2.0 GPA or higher. The recipient will be selected by the director of the Center of Excellence and Recovery, in collaboration with the Office of Student Financial Assistance, for both the initial award and renewals.
