West Virginia University alumni are loyal to their University. The shared sense of pride and commitment is truly what makes Mountaineers unique.
It is that same commitment that drives graduates to give back to their alma mater.
WVU alumna Melissa Bucci-Laue (‘90) and her husband Jeff Laue of Atlanta, Ga., have made a $50,000 gift to The Erickson Alumni Center as part of the University’s comprehensive campaign, A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The gift will be used to reduce the center’s building debt, one of three priorities established by the WVU Alumni Association and WVU Foundation for the campaign.
“West Virginia University provided me with so many opportunities, and now my husband and I are in a position to give back,” said Bucci-Laue, a native of Charleston, W.Va., who also serves as a member of the WVU Alumni Association Board of Directors. “The Alumni Association plays such an important role in helping to advance the University and lift up its wonderful graduates. We hope others will consider being part of this campaign for WVU.”
In addition to the Laue family’s contribution, Melissa’s father, Guy R. Bucci (‘70), a prominent attorney in Charleston, and his law partners Timothy C. Bailey (‘88, ‘91); L. Lee Javins (‘91, ‘94); and D. Blake “J.R.” Carter Jr. (‘01, ‘05)—all three received their undergraduate and law degrees from WVU—generously provided a $75,000 gift to enhance the lighting of the Alumni Tower at The Erickson Alumni Center. The gift of the lighting system, the same system used to light historic Woodburn Hall, is a tribute to the lives that have been illuminated and changed by the firm of BB&J L.C.
“The Erickson Alumni Center serves as a gateway for all Mountaineers,” Guy Bucci said. “When driving through the Evansdale Campus, you are immediately drawn to the tower. Our firm is pleased to be able to provide a gift to the campaign that will enhance the visibility of the tower and the Flying WV.”
The two families will be formally recognized by the WVU Alumni Association later this year in conjunction with an event for the first-ever tower lighting.
In addition to retiring the building debt, the WVU Alumni Association has identified two additional goals for the fundraising campaign: create a building maintenance fund for the alumni center and establish an endowment that will assist in developing programs for national and international outreach, enhancing on- and off-campus programs, and assisting the association’s constituent groups in engaging fellow alumni.
The $750 million capital campaign was publicly launched in June. It is being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University and runs through December 2015. Alumni and friends interested in giving opportunities for the Alumni Association may contact Devanna Corley at 304-293-0971.
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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu
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