Founded through Mrs. Neely’s estate provisions for Frederick County graduates, with preference to students majoring in sociology or chemistry.

Dedicated educators, Dr. Wayne and Margaret Neely served as professors at Hood College for more than four decades. Dr. Neely retired as Chairman of the Department of Economics and Sociology in 1972, and was active on many faculty committees, including the growth and development of the library, now known as the Beneficial-Hodson Library. Mrs. Neely retired as Assistant Professor Emerita of Chemistry in 1981. Her distinguished career also included serving as director of the chemistry program at Frederick Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, as well leading Hood’s nursing program affiliation with Massachusetts General and Johns Hopkins Hospitals. Dr. and Mrs. Neely were active in the community, including Rotary Club of Frederick, both being named Paul Harris Fellows. Other community involvement included Frederick County Historical Society, Arc of Frederick County, and Frederick Presbyterian Church. In addition, Mrs. Neely served as the local president of the American Association of University Women.