Robert C. Williams, a founding trustee emeritus of the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Engineering, and his wife, Barbara, have established the Eugene P. Trani Leadership Scholarships.

The scholarships recognize Dr. Trani’s “extraordinary contribution to the school during his 19-year term as president of the university and the key role he played in creating the School of Engineering,” according to Mr. Williams. Dr. Trani retired as president of VCU and CEO of the VCU Health System on June 30th.

Two full scholarships, one for an in-state student and one for an out-of-state student, will be funded annually at the VCU School of Engineering through the Bob and Barbara Williams Foundation.

Mr. Williams, former chairman of James River Corporation, was among the corporate leaders who helped established the School of Engineering at VCU in 1996.