The Pittsburgh Foundation

William Henry Fitch Memorial Trust

Established: 6/24/1969

William K. Fitch established this scholarship fund as a tribute to his father, William Henry, a man who was passionate about art, nature and children during his lifetime.

William K. died June 29, 1969, at the age of 79.

William Henry was a highly respected citizen of the community of Rockford, Illinois, beloved by all those who knew him. He was a distinguished physician, surgeon and community leader and practiced medicine there for 50 years until his death in 1922.

William Henry had high ideals that inspired many people. The Humane Society counted him as among its most devoted friends. He gave freely of his time to many civic and philanthropic organizations.

The William Henry Fitch Memorial Fund, which originally distributed loans, now awards scholarships to qualified and motivated nurses and medical students from Allegheny county who demonstrate financial need, with preference to minority students.

"The object of this trust is to do as much good and create as much happiness as possible with the available funds," William K. noted in the trust's creation. "They should be men and women of high moral caliber and excellent scholastic ability."

Through the resources of the trust, "it is hoped that many young men and women may acquire an education not otherwise possible and that these arrangements will help them to a fuller and richer life."

Type of Fund

  • Scholarship