Ellis Boury III Fund
The Ellis Boury III Fund, established in 2014 through memorial donations from friends and family, supports the education and development of creative and technical writing in students and young professionals in Tucker County and surrounding areas, with a focus on humanities, tolerance, and social responsibility.
TYPE OF FUND: Field of Interest
DATE ESTABLISHED: Initiated May 20, 2014
PURPOSE: To advance the education and development of creative or technical writing in students or young professionals in Tucker County or surrounding counties in West Virginia, with special consideration given to writings that promote the humanities, specifically addressing tolerance, social introspection, and responsibility.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval by the full Board of Directors of TCF.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Memorial donations by friends and family.
BACKGROUND: Ellis Boury III, known as Ellis Michael to his family, was a seeker of knowledge, an introspective writer, and a passionate advocate for the humanities. Born with a deep curiosity, he was drawn to literature, philosophy, and science, devouring books from a young age and writing prolifically about societal issues, acceptance, and human responsibility.
While attending the University of Pittsburgh as an honors engineering student, he quickly found himself more at home in liberal studies and the humanities. He worked as a mentor in the university’s Writing Lab and earned a scholarship that ultimately helped seed this fund. Restless with academic constraints, Ellis moved to Davis, WV in 2013, where he found a sense of belonging among friends who, like him, were searching for their place in the world.
Ellis believed deeply in the power of words and human connection. His writings, which explored friendship, social structure, and philosophical musings, reflected his desire for a more compassionate world. This fund honors his legacy by encouraging young writers to share their thoughts and contribute to meaningful discourse, continuing Ellis’ mission of spreading love and understanding through writing.
