Dear fellow Mountaineers,
These are unusual times, to say the least, as the University, state and nation face significant disruptions. But, at the University, we believe it also presents a unique opportunity for us to lead – not only in how we deal with these times as a university, but also in how we work closely with state and national leaders. You have read how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our routines this past few weeks, causing us to ensure that campuses are safe for our students, faculty, researchers and staff, who are all being creative in delivering learning, research and services that fulfill our mission.
We have transitioned, as much as possible, to a remote environment at both the University and the WVU Foundation. Fortunately, we have the essential technology to continue the work of the University and the Foundation without being in face-to-face meetings where possible, following the guidelines of our healthcare experts. By being aggressively proactive, we will help protect our University community, both on and off the campus, as well as contribute to the national effort to ameliorate this pandemic as quickly as possible.
In our six years at this University, we have faced other challenging times. In doing so, one of the constant themes has been the continuing and overwhelming support, as well as loyal generosity, we have received from our University family, alumni and friends to come to the aid of the University and to those who need the most help. In this instance, as you can imagine, there are going to be many needs in support of our students as well as some of our faculty and staff. So, in the spirit of Mountaineers leading, we would like to encourage you to consider giving to areas that are important to you personally and that can be of the most help across the entire WVU community. We can assure you that your generosity at this particular time will make an immense impact. With that in mind, we created a dedicated webpage to facilitate giving to areas of special need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The leadership of this University recognizes that we are in uncharted waters. But of this we are certain: The University will lead and not follow. We will do what is right in support of our faculty, staff and students, as well as our state and nation. And we will look to everyone in the University family to provide support for those in need as well as for program support. As in the past, we thank you for all that you do to make this a university that is full of purpose and cares deeply about making an impact on the lives of so many.
We will work to keep you apprised of the actions of the University, and we encourage you to keep informed of decisions that are being made by referring to a special website created by WVU, coronavirus.wvu.edu, which will continue to answer any outstanding questions for the West Virginia University community as a whole.
Please know of our gratitude for all you do. Be safe and be well.
Warm regards,
E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University
Cindi Roth
President and CEO, WVU Foundation