Supporters of West Virginia University donated a record $30.4 million Wednesday (March 20) during the University’s seventh Day of Giving. More than 8,500 gifts were made during the 24-hour online fundraising event held across the University system, also a new record. The $30.4 million figure tops 2023’s WVU Day of Giving record of $18.1 million raised from more than 8,200 gifts.
“I am so thankful for the generosity of everyone who made investments in the future of West Virginia University during Day of Giving,” President Gordon Gee said. “This support is critical as we continue to evolve into a modern land-grant institution, one that provides a quality, affordable education to our students while supporting them as they find their purpose.”
This year’s theme – “Go above. Go beyond.” – emphasized the critical importance of private donations to WVU, especially for scholarships, and the need for new donors.
More than 900 of those making gifts Wednesday self-identified as first-time donors.
Among the larger gifts received on WVU Day of Giving: $2.6 million from the Bedford Falls Foundation supporting the School of Nursing; $2 million from Encova Insurance advancing research at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute; and $2 million from Dr. Dianne G. Muchant establishing the Muchant Chair of Pediatric Nephrology at the School of Medicine.
Hourly challenges and participation gifts at the college/school/unit level created a WVU-spirited environment on social media throughout the day.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in Day of Giving, helping us build excitement and provide much-needed funding to our University,” 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 years to come.”
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 levels. 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 over $96 million from more than 36,000 gifts in seven years, benefiting student programs, scholarships, research, infrastructure improvements and more.