Supporters of West Virginia University donated a record $18.1 million Wednesday (March 22) during the University’s sixth Day of Giving. More than 8,200 gifts were made during the 24-hour online fundraising event held across the University system, also a new record. The $18.1 million figure tops 2022’s WVU Day of Giving record of $15.5 million raised from just over 5,600 gifts.
“As we look ahead, we have a perfect opportunity to further transform the West Virginia University system to best meet the current and future needs of our students, faculty and staff, and to fulfill our land-grant promise,” President Gordon Gee said. “I am thankful for the support from our generous donors, which will help us chart our University’s direction for years to come.”
This year’s theme – “Go above. Go beyond.” – emphasized the critical importance of private donations to WVU, the need for new donors and the power of collective giving.
More than 1,250 of those making gifts Wednesday self-identified as first-time donors.
Major gifts received on Day of Giving include: leadership funding from alumnus Jim Chamberlain and wife, Joni, to aid Coach Bob Huggins in his ongoing efforts to support the WVU Cancer Institute and its future endeavors; $1 million gift from Luke Frazier to the College of Creative Arts, School of Music, in memory of Christine Kefferstan; a $500,000 gift from Davis and Hope Hall to support the Mountaineer Athletic Club; a $450,000 gift from Cheat Lake Animal Hospital to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design to begin a veterinary technology program; and a $100,000 donation from WVU Director of Athletics Wren Baker and his wife, Heather, to support the Mountaineer Athletic Club.
Hourly challenges and participation gifts at the college/school/unit level created a WVU-spirited environment on social media throughout the day.
“We are so thankful for all of those who participated in Day of Giving, helping us build excitement and provide critical funding to the areas of our University that need it most,” Kristen Shipp, who led the effort for the WVU Foundation, said. “The impact of having so many supporters come together like this is immeasurable, as WVU students and programs will benefit from Mountaineer Nation’s remarkable generosity for many years.”
First launched in 2017, WVU Day of Giving is focused each year on raising private dollars for the University’s greatest priorities and opportunities, including scholarships and unrestricted funds at both the University- and unit-specific level. The event also included WVU Health Sciences, WVU Medicine and regional campuses in Keyser and Beckley.
The Foundation and University used email and social media to spread the word to alumni and supporters about the special day of giving. An online donation page was set up at dayofgiving.wvu.edu as an easy way for people to make a gift online.
In total, WVU Day of Giving has raised $66 million from more than 28,400 gifts in six years, benefiting student programs, scholarships, research, infrastructure improvements and more.