Two-time WVU graduate David R. Gay is supporting Potomac State College, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Pharmacy with a $90,000 planned gift to honor the people and experiences that guided his journey. (WVU Foundation photo/Garrett Cullen)
For David R. Gay, a life of purpose began in the small town of St. Albans and has carried him through a fulfilling career, a lifetime of learning and now, a legacy of giving back to the institutions that shaped him.
A proud two-time graduate of West Virginia University, Gay has included WVU and Potomac State College in his estate plans through a planned gift totaling $90,000. His bequest will be divided equally among Potomac State College, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Pharmacy, creating three scholarships that honor the people and experiences that guided his journey.
Gay began his college career at WVU Potomac State College in 1969, where he built a strong academic foundation that prepared him for success at the WVU Morgantown Campus. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1976 and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1979.
He then enjoyed a rewarding career as both a hospital and retail pharmacist, serving more than 20 years at Appalachian Regional Hospital in Beckley and 15 years with CVS. Gay credits his parents, James and Maxine Gay, both accountants who came of age during the Great Depression, with teaching him the values of hard work, financial responsibility and humility.
The first of Gay’s scholarships, the Sadie Maine Scholarship at WVU Potomac State College, is named in memory of his former house mother at Memorial Hall.
“Sadie Main was just like a grandmother to all of us,” Gay recalled. “She cared deeply about the students and treated everyone with respect. That experience helped shape who I became.”
This scholarship will support Potomac State students, helping the next generation of Catamounts find the same sense of belonging Gay discovered on campus.
“David Gay’s generous gift honors his time here and pays it forward in a meaningful way,” PSC President Jerry Wallace said. “It is a reminder of the real and lasting difference we can all make and the influence we may have in shaping other’s lives. We are grateful he chose to remember his house mother by helping future students.”
Gay’s gift to the School of Pharmacy will establish the James and Maxine Gay Pharmacy Scholarship, honoring his parents and their lifelong influence.
“My parents gave me every opportunity they could,” Gay said. “They encouraged me to pursue an education that would allow me to help others.”
The scholarship will aid future pharmacists who share Gay’s dedication to patient care and community service, reflecting his belief in the importance of both science and compassion in healthcare.
“As a professional School at a land-grant university, we certainly attempt to instill in our students the same values David has held dear related to serving the needs of patients in an empathetic and comprehensive manner," William P. Petros, Gates Wigner Dean of the WVU School of Pharmacy, said. "Establishing a scholarship that promotes these ideals will provide a powerful way to underscore their lasting significance.”
Gay’s planned gift to the Eberly College will create the Dr. Earl L. Core Scholarship, named for the distinguished WVU botanist who inspired Gay’s lifelong appreciation for the natural world.
“Dr. Core’s work fascinated me,” Gay said. “He represented the best of WVU — curiosity, intelligence and a deep love of learning.”
Through this scholarship, Gay hopes to encourage students who share his interest in biology and environmental sciences to explore, discover and carry forward the same Mountaineer spirit that guided him.
"David's generosity reflects what we hope our students carry with them long after they leave Eberly: a commitment to learning, service and lifting others up with their education," Greg Dunaway, dean of the Eberly College said. "By honoring the mentors who helped shape his path, he is creating opportunities for future Mountaineers to discover their passions and make a meaningful impact on the world."
Gay’s humility and faith continue to guide his choices, including his philanthropy. He hopes his scholarships will inspire students to work hard, give back and take pride in their West Virginia heritage.
“Embrace your career, save for your future and be kind to those around you,” Gay said. “That’s what brought me happiness, and I hope it helps others find theirs.”
Through his generosity, David R. Gay is ensuring the opportunities he once received will continue for generations to come, a lasting tribute to the people and places that shaped his life.
His gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.