The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recognized Wheeling, West Virginia, natives David and Dr. Jo Ann Goldbaugh Shaw as outstanding philanthropists at a special event in Pittsburgh.
A West Virginia University alumni couple committed to boosting education, health care and more through charitable giving was honored Thursday, Nov. 17, in celebration of National Philanthropy Day.
The Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) recognized Wheeling, West Virginia, natives David and Dr. Jo Ann Goldbaugh Shaw as outstanding philanthropists at a special event in Pittsburgh. While National Philanthropy Day is officially observed on Nov. 15, AFP chapters nationwide recognize donors for their generosity throughout the month of November.
“This is a well-deserved honor for two of West Virginia University’s most dedicated supporters,” Cindi Roth, president and CEO of the WVU Foundation, said. “The Shaws have consistently challenged us to educate and champion our students in exciting new ways that promote better health and well-being for everyone. Their recognition demonstrates the incredible impact that charitable giving at WVU has throughout the state and region.”
The Shaws have built a legacy of innovation, education and transformation through their many gifts to WVU. Their support has benefited WVU Health Sciences, the School of Medicine, WVU Athletics, WVU Medicine Children’s, the Mountaineer Marching Band and more.
The couple’s foundational gift established the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS), which provides hands-on experiential training for students across all WVU health sciences programs using cutting-edge simulation equipment. Their continued support has helped the facility expand, upgrade its technology and increase cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Over the course of a decade, the Jo Ann Goldbaugh Shaw, M.D., Medical Scholarship has provided financial support for about a dozen future physicians specializing in pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesiology and more. The scholarship supports four students from West Virginia annually, including one in each year of medical school.
“The impact of scholarship support is lifelong,” Clay Marsh, M.D., WVU Health Sciences chancellor and executive dean, said. “Students are grateful for the financial assistance they receive, but they’re also inspired by the generosity and spirit of the gift and often look for ways to give back in their own communities. The Shaws’ generosity is an inspiration to our medical students and our School of Medicine community.”
The couple’s latest gift to WVU established the Shaw Student-Athlete Enrichment Fund for Nutrition and Mental Health Services. The fund provides nutrition education and support for WVU student-athletes, as well as counseling and mental health services to help them deal with the unique challenges of collegiate competition.
The Shaws’ contributions reflect their commitment to health and wellness as former health professionals. David graduated from the WVU School of Pharmacy in 1986 and worked as a pharmacist, retiring from Kroger. Jo Ann earned her medical degree from WVU in 1986 and specialized in pathology. She worked in private practice before retiring in 2010.
The Shaws belong to the Woodburn Circle Society, the most prestigious honorary group for loyal WVU supporters. Their gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.