West Virginia University is getting ever closer to achieving its goal in the largest private fundraising campaign in the University’s history.
Contributions to A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University totaled more than $736 million through March 31, 2014, or 98 percent of the goal.
“We continue to see very strong support from our alumni and friends, corporate and foundation partners to the Campaign,” said WVU Foundation President and CEO Cindi Roth. “To be this close to our goal with more than a year-and-a-half remaining in the campaign speaks volumes to the pride and commitment our donors have for WVU. We just need to keep the progress going.”
The impact of private giving on the University includes establishment of endowed scholarships and fellowships for students, professorships and faculty chairs, financial support for new learning facilities, and enhancements for academic and athletic programs.
“A State of Minds” runs through December 2015. The $750 million goal is three times larger than the previous “Building Greatness” campaign from 1998-2003.
“It’s clear our loyal alumni and friends recognize West Virginia University’s great potential,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “Their generous support will help us advance the University’s stature and worldwide impact while continuing – and expanding – our service to West Virginia. Thank you to everyone who is contributing to the tremendous success of West Virginia University’s largest private fundraising campaign.”
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
Chairman of Putnam Investments and 1974 alumnus Robert Reynolds and Cadrillion Capital President Verl Purdy, a 1964 WVU graduate, are the national campaign co-chairmen.
Recent donations include a $5 million gift from Ken and Randy Kendrick and the Charles Koch Foundation to create the Center for Free Enterprise at the College of Business and Economics; a $250,000 gift from The Health Plan to the School of Medicine for the West Virginia STEPS Center; and a $100,000 contribution from Antero Resources Corp. to the College of Law to support the Center for Energy and Sustainable Development.
Visit www.astateofminds.com for information on how you can help support the campaign.
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CONTACT: Bill Nevin, WVU Foundation
304-284-4056; wnevin@wvuf.org
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.