Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers Receives Largest Gift
December 10, 2021
Arthur “Art” and Phyllis met during his 25-year career at IBM. They were married in 1965, and shared homes in both Coudersport and Owego, NY.
“Anyone who knew Phyllis knew her to be kind and generous, said family friend and attorney Pat Larsen. “Although Art was analytical and displayed a gruff exterior, beneath it all, he, too, was kind-hearted. They were always there for those in need, much like the charities they have supported. They did not seek recognition in their actions, and did many things that would otherwise go unnoticed, such as putting flowers on the graves of the deceased; delivering holiday gifts to the elderly; or paying the tuition of those seeking to start a new career.”
Pat Larsen added, “The organizations that will benefit from their gifts are the same ones they supported through anonymous donations during their lifetimes. They also valued education and knew the doors that it can open, as they experienced those benefits in their own careers. Moreover, they never forgot their roots, and that is why scholarships to their high schools have been endowed.”
Art DuBois was a graduate of Coudersport High School and Phyllis graduated from Waverly High School. They established two new scholarship funds at their respected schools. The Wright Family Scholarship will support graduating seniors from Waverly High School. It was established with a gift of $313,000.
Waverly Superintendent Dr. Eric Knolles said, “The Waverly Central School District is grateful to Phyllis Wright DuBois for the generous scholarship gift to the children of the Waverly Community. We are blessed to have alumni who care and contribute to our children and their education. Waverly CSD’s motto is Kids, Community and Each Other, Mrs. DuBois is the embodiment of that motto.”
The DuBois Family Scholarship Fund was established with a gift of $940,000 for graduating seniors from Coudersport Area High School for studies with a preference given for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
“Coudersport Area School District is honored and pleasantly surprised to receive such a generous and substantial donation from the DuBois family to support the DuBois Family Scholarship Fund,” said Drew Kyle, Superintendent of Coudersport Area School District.
“Jobs in STEM are in extremely high demand and many of them offer opportunities for telework which can help keep students at home in their rural communities. This scholarship fund will offer opportunities for our students to pursue education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and could give them a legitimate way to remain here in Coudersport to start families and enjoy lucrative careers over many generations.
With their thoughtful donation the DuBois family has helped to ensure a bright future for many of our students as well as our community. The Coudersport Area School District could not be more thankful for this wonderful gift provided by the DuBois family,” he added.
“Art and Phyllis DuBois had the foresight to leave a gift for tomorrow’s needs-needs that they could only imagine,” said Suzanne Lee. “CFTT is honored to care for their legacy.”
Founded in 2003, the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers serves 5 counties, Bradford, Potter, Sullivan and Tioga Counties, PA and Tioga County, New York. The Foundation is committed to building philanthropic resources that will sustain healthy and vital communities now and into the future. The Foundation currently manages over 120 funds valued at over $11 million dollars and has awarded over $1.5 million in grants and scholarships since inception, positively impacting hundreds of lives in the region. For more information on its work in the community contact Suzanne Lee at 570.505-2975.
