West Virginia Wesleyan College is the beneficiary of an estate gift of approximately $1.9 million from two sisters who graduated from the college in the early 1920s. Nelle and Kathryn McLaughlin arranged a trust estate gift that will support the college's educational programs, including a major, endowed scholarship fund for chemistry and English majors.

Nelle V. and M. Kathryn McLaughlin, former Buckhannon residents and both members of the Class of 1923, entered Wesleyan at a time when many women did not seek higher education. Nelle's choice of major was chemistry, while Kathryn majored in English. After graduation, both would become teachers. Kathryn began her teaching career as a Spanish teacher in Sistersville. Nelle taught chemistry and science in Fairmont.

Following their initial teaching experience in West Virginia, the McLaughlin sisters joined their Wesleyan classmate, Lois Grose, in Pittsburgh where they continued their teaching careers until retirement. The McLaughlins enjoyed travel and visited locations throughout the world. They also were frequent visitors to Buckhannon, spending many summers in their "home town." Kathryn McLaughlin died in 1994. Nelle passed away in 2001 at the age of 100.

"We are extraordinarily grateful to the McLaughlin sisters for their significant estate gift to their alma mater," said Wesleyan president, William R. Haden, when he announced the gift. "Their gift to our endowment has created a permanent legacy that will provide unceasing support for West Virginia Wesleyan College and our students."