Amy Bircher (center), Beth Shorrock (left) and Darrell Donahue cut the ribbon on the new Amy A. Bircher Textiles Laboratory at West Virginia University (photo by Brian Persinger, WVU Photography).
A gift to the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design will provide fashion, dress and merchandising students with enhanced educational opportunities in textile science.
To strengthen textile science and curriculum, Amy Bircher, a WVU alumna and international leader in the textile industry, donated more than $200,000 to establish a much-needed creative space for students.
The WVU Davis College hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Amy A. Bircher Textiles Laboratory Friday, April 16.
“What a momentous occasion for me personally to be contributing to the future of my alma mater. I am so honored to be able to provide this space for current and future students to learn in a hands-on environment for textile science and innovation,” Bircher said. “There are so many incredible opportunities for students to enhance their education in both fiber, fashion and clothing development, and I look forward to watching this space grow over the coming years as our industry and societal needs change.”
The space, a former home economics laboratory in the Agricultural Sciences Annex, is outfitted with new equipment to provide students more opportunities to engage directly with fabrics.
“Amy’s gift is foundational; it provides a base for us to grow bigger and better. This lab will have an immediate positive impact for our students and their understanding of the functional materials foundation of textiles design,” said Darrell W. Donahue, dean of the WVU Davis College. “Looking toward the future, we’ll be able to increase our research and textile testing capabilities with the goals of enhancing education and advancing the industry.”
To commemorate the opening of the new textiles laboratory, Amy Bircher (center) screen prints a t-shirt (photo by Brian Persinger, WVU Photography).
Through a variety of scientific testing – including the popular burn test which helps identify types of fabric – students will better understand what properties a fiber presents including its strengths, weaknesses, how it’s made, dyed and finished.
According to Elizabeth Shorrock, visiting assistant professor of fashion, dress and merchandising, this type of knowledge will make students more marketable after graduation.
“I’ve noticed during my career upper-level design students at universities across the country have limited knowledge about textile properties and which fabric types are best suited for specific projects,” she said. “This new laboratory will help WVU and our program become leaders in textile science training.”
A passionate and engaged industry leader in the textile market, Bircher is founder and CEO of MMI Textiles, Inc., in Cleveland. Founded in 1997, her company serves customers on a global basis with innovative products that protect warfighters and enhance the lives of many others. She is a 1993 graduate of the WVU Davis College with a degree in textiles, clothing and fashion merchandising.
Bircher’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University. To contribute, visit the secure online giving page at give.wvu.edu.
Watch a video that was shown during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.