Education has always been a core value in the Caveney home. So much so that Dr. James Caveney, his wife, Karen, their three children, and immediate family hold 19 degrees from West Virginia University.

It is only fitting that the family lift up and celebrate those values at their alma mater by establishing the WVU Wall of Academic Scholars at The Erickson Alumni Center. The wall will honor Marshall, Truman, Rhodes, Goldwater, and Fulbright scholars.

“The academic success of our students is impressive, and we wanted to be able to showcase those accomplishments at The Erickson Alumni Center. Each year the Center welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world for special celebrations, and now when visitors from the Big 12 and others come to our beautiful alumni center, they will see the amazing achievements of our students,” Dr. Caveney said.

Dr. Caveney, a member of the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni, received three degrees from WVU, including a bachelor’s degree (‘64), a doctor of dental surgery (‘68), and a master’s degree in orthodontics (‘72). Karen graduated from WVU in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. Susan Caveney Keadle received her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from WVU in 1990. Her husband, David Keadle, also received two degrees from WVU (‘92 DDS, ‘96 MD).

Scott Caveney, one of WVU’s first Foundation Scholars and a Truman Scholar, received three degrees, including a bachelor’s degree (‘91), followed by a Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology (‘96), and a medical degree (‘98).

The Caveneys’ youngest son, Brian, also a Foundation Scholar, received his bachelor’s degree in 1995 and was one of the first students to pursue dual post-graduate degrees, receiving a law degree (‘01), followed by a medical degree (‘02). Brian’s wife, Erica, received a bachelor’s degree (‘94), a medical degree (‘98), and served as chief resident from 2001-02.

Dr. Caveney’s three younger brothers, William (‘66 BS), Robert (‘73 BA, ‘76 MD), and Bruce (‘78 BS), also graduated from WVU.

“The Caveneys certainly leave an impressive legacy at their alma mater. Their family appreciated the education they received here, and this wall will be a wonderful way to showcase the hard work and accomplishments of our outstanding WVU scholars,” said Stephen L. Douglas, president and CEO, WVU Alumni Association.

Dr. and Mrs. Caveney previously provided financial support to establish the Caveney Conference and Creativity Center at WVU Health Sciences Center. Karen is a member of the WVU Alumni Association’s Graduate Emeritus Board of Directors.

In 1980, Dr. Caveney founded the Dr. Merrow Millennium Society to support the Department of Orthodontics. He has served on the WVU Student Advisory Committee during the terms of five WVU presidents. He also serves on the Visiting Committee for the Dental School and as an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Orthodontics.

The $70,000 gift was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $750 million comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2015. For more information about WVU Alumni Association giving opportunities, contact Nicole Riggleman at 304-293-4731.

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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu

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