West Virginia University’s private fundraising campaign A State of Minds is nearing the $850 million mark with more than two-and-a-half years to go to raise $1 billion.
The WVU Foundation announced today (April 21) that alumni and friends of the University have contributed $846 million through March 31, or nearly 85 percent of the $1 billion goal. That represents an increase of $27 million during the past quarter.
“Alumni and friends continue to demonstrate their commitment to and passion for this University through their generous giving,” said Cindi Roth, WVU Foundation president and CEO. “We are thankful for every dollar donated to this Campaign, and pledge to continue our focused efforts. There is a new sense of energy and excitement around campus, and that is bringing new initiatives and programs that will directly benefit students, research and citizens across the state.”
Through March 31, the Foundation says 76,734 donors have contributed to the Campaign, including more than 32,000 alumni and over 5,000 corporations.
The contributions include endowed scholarships to enable students to attend class and relieve their debt burden; chairs and professorships to attract the best and brightest innovative and pioneering faculty and researchers; financial support for new learning facilities; and gifts to enhance cutting-edge degree programs.
Since the beginning of the Campaign, 595 student scholarships have been created including 434 endowed scholarships; 43 endowed faculty chairs and professorships have been started; and 195 new research funds have been added, including 103 that are permanently endowed.
“There are so many wonderful reasons to give back to West Virginia University,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “Whether you are interested in supporting student scholarships, contributing to a pioneering faculty members’ research or establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory, there are many opportunities to improve the quality of our great institution. Our alumni and friends have been extremely generous with their financial support to this campaign, and I am grateful for their continued belief in our University.”
Fundraising is focusing on six University-wide Campaign priority areas that align with the University’s 2020 Strategic Plan for the Future:
- Enhance the undergraduate student experience and global education
- Advance the research initiative of the University
- Enable WVU to improve West Virginia’s health, economy and quality of life
- Foster faculty excellence
- Enhance WVU through professional and graduate education
- Support healthcare through research, education and patient care
Some of the gifts over the past three months created the James and Karen Caveney Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award; the Ralph and Barbara Bean Musical Theatre Scholarship; the Stephen and Karen Farmer Mountaineer Mascot Fund; the Dr. David G. Edwards Dental Scholarship Fund; and the Joginder Nath Ophthalmology Lecture.
Last September, the University and Foundation announced its original Campaign goal of $750 had been exceeded, and the Campaign was being extended through 2017 with a new goal of $1 billion.
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.
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CONTACT: Bill Nevin; WVU Foundation
304.284.4056; wnevin@wvuf.org
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