Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund
The Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund, established in 2016 by his parents, James (Jake) and Patricia Gosa, provides educational opportunities in the liberal arts for students in Tucker County, WV, honoring Ryan’s love of writing, the arts, and athletics.
TYPE OF FUND: Donor Advised
ESTABLISHED: January 2016
PURPOSE: Providing educational opportunities in the liberal arts.
GEOGRAPHIC AREA SERVED: Tucker County, WV
DISTRIBUTION: On the recommendation of the donors and final approval by the Grants Committee and 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: Initial funding was provided by Ryan’s parents, James (Jake) and Patricia Gosa. Prior to establishing the endowment, Jake, Pat, Ryan’s siblings, and his nieces and nephews awarded a pass-through scholarship in Ryan’s memory.
BACKGROUND: The Ryan Patrick Gosa Fund was created to celebrate Ryan’s life and his deep passion for writing, the arts, and athletics. From an early age, Ryan demonstrated an intense love of reading and learning.
The Gosa family lived in Winchester, VA, but frequently visited Canaan Valley throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Ryan was the youngest son of Jake and Pat Gosa, and the family spent much of their time engaged in the Junior Ski Racing program at Canaan Valley. Jake Sr. served as president, Jake II coached, and both Ryan and his sister Jessica found success as ski racers. Their mother, Pat, contributed as a dedicated volunteer, managing timing and scorekeeping.
Ryan attended high school at Burke Mountain Academy, where he pursued competitive skiing while developing his academic interests. During his senior year, he had the opportunity to spend a semester abroad studying creative writing and Shakespeare. He later attended Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, graduating with distinction.
Ryan is remembered as a gentle soul with a sharp and entertaining wit, cherished by his loving family and a wide circle of friends across the country. Through this fund, his legacy continues to support students who share his passion for the liberal arts.
