Feb 24, 2014 08:58 AM EST By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Lt. Col. Jesse and Ruth Miles, a St. Augustine couple, has made a gift of $2 million for an endowed academic scholarship at Stetson University.

Melvin D. Stack, the military couple's attorney, said that they were not Stetson graduates and chose the Stetson due to the school's high academic standards and great reputation.

"This very generous gift from Mr. and Mrs. Miles will help Stetson University continue its legacy of providing scholarship assistance to students who are eager for our kind of rigorous, challenging academic program. The Miles Endowment will be a perpetual resource to support our students as they learn, grow and prepare to lead lives of significance..," President Dr. Wendy Libby said in a statement.

The couple intends to share their estate with both their grandchildren Emily and Alex, and Stetson University.

Stack, a partner in the Daytona Beach law firm of Every, Stack and Upchurch, and a 1979 Stetson College of Law alumnus, said that his clients approached him to suggest worthy universities to make their donation.

"It was an honor to help contribute to my alma mater in this manner. I felt fortunate that I could attend Stetson Law School and glad that others will be able to achieve their dreams as a result of my being a small part of this process," said Stack.

This endowed scholarship will be applicable to students who maintain a B average or above.

"By remembering Stetson in their estate plan, the Miles have made a wonderful investment in the lives of students who might not otherwise be able to attend Stetson," Kate Pearce, assistant vice president of university relations, said. 

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