The West Virginia University Foundation reports its fundraising effort A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University is having a wide-ranging impact across the University community through the many scholarships, faculty support, research and program funds established by donors.
Through June 30, 2015, donors have given $898.1 million to the campaign, or nearly 90 percent of the $1 billion goal. This has created 632 new endowed student scholarships, 24 endowed faculty chairs and 21 endowed professorships and 199 new funds to assist research efforts at West Virginia University.
The campaign’s success was bolstered by $125 million in new gifts in FY15 (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015), the second highest fiscal year of giving ever in the Foundation’s history. The June 30 total represents an increase of more than $50 million during just this past quarter.
“As we move closer toward our unprecedented $1 billion goal, I’m struck by the genuine and sincere desire of our alumni and friends to help the University,” said Cindi Roth, WVU Foundation president and CEO. “They have responded to our call with great enthusiasm, and their gifts are creating access to many new opportunities for our students, faculty, researchers and patients. This profound generosity demonstrates that once again, Mountaineers go first.”
In all, 76,227 donors have given 295,920 gifts to the campaign which runs through December 2017. This includes donations from 32,745 alumni and more than 5,500 corporations.
“From art to land to funds that boost student scholarships and faculty research, I am deeply touched by the generosity of our alumni and friends in support of projects and initiatives in which they are passionate,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “As I travel the state and nation, it is clear that ‘Mountaineers Go First’ in such a way to keep West Virginia University progressing to new heights.”
Recent major gifts include the W.A. Curruth, M.J. Pearse and K.J. Blakemore Scholarship; works of art donated by Lucie Mellert; an endowment establishing the Barbara B. Highland Stroke Chair; additions to the Barrett Hall of Honor at The Erickson Alumni Center provided by Betty Barrett; the Barbara Alvis International Student Emergency Fund; and a donation from the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust creating the Hazel Ruby McQuain Equine Education and Resource Center.
Visit www.astateofminds.com for information on how you can help support the Campaign.
The WVU Foundation was charted in 1954 to secure, hold and administer funds and properties given by individuals, corporations and philanthropic foundations in support of WVU.
