The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) is honoring the West Virginia University Foundation for its improvements in fundraising.

The Foundation was one of only 30 development programs across the country to receive an overall improvement award as part of the 2008 CASE -WealthEngine Awards for Educational Fundraising. More than 400 programs were considered.

The award is a component of CASE s annual Circle of Excellence program, honoring exemplary advancement initiatives and activities.

Were very honored to receive this prestigious award,said R. Wayne King, WVU Foundation president and chief executive officer.It validates the hard work and efforts of our Foundation team and also recognizes the generosity of our many donors.

The award is based on an analysis of three years of fundraising data supplied by each program to the Council for Aid to Educations Voluntary Support of Education survey. Development programs do not apply for the award; it is data-driven. Judging is conducted by senior development professionals from across the country.

In fiscal year 2006-07, the WVU Foundation received a record $87 million in donations and gifts-in-kind. This compares to $61 million in 2005-06 and $42 million in 2004-05.

Alumni and friends of WVU understand the importance of private giving, and this award is a reflection of that,said D. Lyn Dotson, WVU Foundation vice president of development.It also is a reflection of their trust in the Foundation to administer and manage gifts on behalf of the University.

In its award notification letter to the Foundation, CASE officials wrote,Because your fundraising program was judged by a panel of your peers, this award is not only a recognition of its high value to your institution, but also an acknowledgement of its stature as a best practice that contributes to the advancement professional overall.

The WVU Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation that generates, receives and administers private gifts for the benefit of WVU .