A new scholars program at Appalachian State University will help support a dozen Guilford County-area students each year.
Hughlene and Bill Frank left money in their estate to provide for the scholarships. They will benefit graduates of high schools located in the couple's home county of Guilford.
The Franks were long-time supporters of Appalachian State. Hughlene Bostian Frank was a student there in the late 1960s when the institution went from a college to a university. She was a member of the university's first graduating class.
This isn't the Franks' first major gift to Appalachian. They had previously supported the university's first nursing scholarship for nontraditional students and provided money for a writing series that bears their name.
“The couple's lives were marked by their passions — education, community and creating opportunities,” Appalachian State Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Jane Barghothi said in a release.
In 2013, Hughlene Frank was given the Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award.
University officials say the scholarship for Guilford-area students will cover about 75 percent of the 12 students' tuition and is renewable annually.