PHS — Financial Assistance

Doug Wagner came to the University of Virginia from George Washington University in 1995 to serve as a professor in the newly established Department of Public Health Sciences, initially named the Department of Health Evaluation Sciences. Trained at Vanderbilt as an Econometrician, he provided statistical guidance to faculty and students from across the UVa Grounds. A kind and generous man, Doug treated all requests for guidance equally, whether they came from a fellow faculty member or from an undergraduate. He understood statistics to be an integral part of a full life and enjoyed sharing his perspective. He avoided the use of jargon and provided insightful and useful advice. Doug’s suggestions always made practical sense, revealing underlying numerical truths. They became the foundation of innumerable academic articles and enabled many careers. This scholarship honors Doug’s legacy by providing ongoing support to students.

William (Bill) Hobson was married for many years to Dr. Evelyn Troup, an outstanding educator and psychologist who spent her professional life evaluating students and arranging appropriate school placements for those with special needs. From the time of his college graduation, Bill was a real estate developer both in California and on the east coast. In spite of serious health problems throughout his life and a devastating stroke in 1985, Bill continued to work into his later years. Sharing Evelyn’s interest in education, Bill’s goal was to fund scholarships for college students. He succeeded in establishing Trusts at 40 institutions of higher learning. Countless students owe their college education to his generosity.