MURRAY, Ky. — The Allen family of local business Wisdom Tree Technologies has established the Jerry D. Allen Memorial Scholarship at Murray State University. The newly-endowed scholarship fund will honor Allen’s rich legacy and assist Racers in obtaining an education.
Jerry D. Allen was born on July 17, 1940 on a reservation in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He joined the U.S. Navy at just 17 years old, where he fought in Vietnam and gave 20 years of service. Jerry went on to work for the Kentucky Parks Service as a business manager for 20 years. He served in that role at Kenlake State Park as well as Rough River Dam State Resort Park and Pine Mountain State Park. Jerry finished his professional career working alongside his son, Scott Allen, at his defense contracting company, Wisdom Tree Technologies (WTT). Jerry co-founded WTT, where he served from 2009-2015 as the company’s CFO.
“My dad believed in the military, service to one’s community and education,” said Scott, who serves as president and CEO of WTT. “Both myself and my son were career military officers, and along with his other grandchildren, are alumni or soon-to-be graduates of Murray State University. We are thrilled to be able to give back in this way.”
The Jerry D. Allen Memorial Scholarship will support full time students at Murray State University with first preference given to applicants who are the children or stepchildren of veterans or applicants who are active Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Applicants shall also be residents of Kentucky with demonstrated financial need.
“The life of a military family is a mixture of unique challenges and sacrifices,” said Allan Patterson, Murray State coordinator of veteran and military student success. “The Jerry D. Allen Memorial Scholarship honors those sacrifices made by military children and offers an opportunity for them to meet their future goals while providing the same type of support they displayed throughout the veterans’ service.”
WTT has been an active supporter of Murray State and its students. As a University Town and Gown program partner, WTT also provides University students with internship opportunities and its employees teach courses on campus. WTT also encourages its employees to enroll in Murray State degree programs.
To make a gift in support of the Jerry D. Allen Memorial Scholarship, visit murraystate.edu/givenow or send a check made payable to the Murray State University Foundation to the Murray State Office of Development, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071.
About Murray State University: Since 1922, Murray State University has provided a collaborative, opportunity-rich living and learning community that fosters personal growth and professional success through a high-quality college experience. Students receive support from inspiring faculty and staff and will join a distinctive campus community — the Racer Family. With nearly 10,000 students, Murray State prepares the next generation of leaders to join more than 75,000 successful alumni who make a difference in their community, across the country and around the world. We are Racers. The University’s main campus is located in Murray, Kentucky, and includes five regional campuses in Ft. Campbell, Henderson, Hopkinsville, Madisonville and Paducah. To learn more about Murray State University, please visit murraystate.edu.