BLACKSBURG, March 10, 2001-- Sandra C. Cupp, widow of prominent Blacksburg businessman Patrick D. Cupp, has created a charitable trust in excess of $1 million at Virginia Tech, half designated for the university's Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and the remainder for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, in recognition of programs supported by her late husband, who died in an automobile accident last fall.

The trust will be used to establish the Patrick D. and Sandra C. Cupp Civil War Endowment Fund for the general support of the Civil War center and the Patrick D. and Sandra C. Cupp Football Endowment Fund in support of the football program.

James I. Robertson Jr., Alumni Distinguished Professor of History at Tech and executive director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, announced the gift at the opening session of the 10th annual Virginia Tech Civil War Weekend last night (March 9).

"In making these gifts to Virginia Tech for Civil War studies and the football program, I am honoring three of my husband's loves: history, Hokie football, and Virginia Tech," Sandra Cupp said. "We are indeed fortunate to have Dr. James Robertson and Coach Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech, and these gifts are also made in recognition of their many accomplishments and the success they have brought to Virginia Tech. I am happy to complete these gifts in memory of one of Virginia Tech's greatest fans: Pat Cupp."

According to Robertson, "The award made by Mrs. Sandy Cupp in memory of her husband and our friend, Pat Cupp, is the largest gift to date for the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies. I am profoundly grateful for this endowment that will enrich the study of Civil War history at Virginia Tech for countless generations yet to come."

Jim Weaver, director of athletics at the university, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Athletics Department. "Pat and Sandy Cupp have been outstanding supporters of Virginia Tech athletics, and we are deeply appreciative of this new gift for the Hokie football program."

Patrick Cupp was a charter member of the advisory council for the Civil War center. "From the beginning of the development campaign for the center until he died, Pat enthusiastically supported the center. He was an enthusiastic leader and advisor, and we still feel the loss resulting from his death," Robertson said. "This gift will keep his memory alive throughout the future of the center."