WVU Reynolds Hall
A $2.2 million planned gift to West Virginia University will aid support services at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics and WVU Athletics to help students excel.
The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, pledged an estimated $1.5 million within his will to establish a new fund that aids academic support, experiential learning and/or career readiness resources for students and faculty development at the Chambers College.
Experiential learning empowers Chambers College students to succeed by ensuring they have the real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Faculty members integrate actual corporate projects into their courses via unique learning labs such as the Roll Capital Markets Center, the Wehrle Global Supply Chain Lab and more. Additionally, the Data Analytics Lab, Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab and other facilities offer extracurricular opportunities for students to partner with international businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
The Chambers College promotes co-curricular learning via student support hubs such as the Becker Academic Engagement and Success Center and the Center for Career Development. The Becker Center provides peer-assisted tutoring, mentoring, coaching and assistance with verbal and written communication. The CCD guides students in identifying career opportunities and building professional networks that align with their skills, interests and aspirations.
“The Chambers College houses many programs and initiatives that drive student success,” Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College, said. “The areas touched by this gift are some of the most powerful. Thanks to this anonymous donor’s generosity, we can continue to empower WVU business students in their careers and lives for years to come.”
The remainder of the gift will go to the Garrett Ford Academic Excellence Fund, which aids WVU student-athletes by providing support for academic enrichment, life skills programming, equipment and supplies, and more. The fund is named for Garrett Ford Sr., a former Mountaineer running back and Athletics administrator who provided educational guidance to thousands of WVU student-athletes.
Donors who make planned gifts to WVU are invited to join the Irvin Stewart Society, an honorary group named for the University’s 13th president. Athletics supporters also become members of the Jerry West Society and gain access to an exclusive stewardship program.
“WVU Athletics strives for excellence on the field and in the classroom, and gifts like this help our student-athletes succeed,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “By donating to the Garrett Ford Academic Excellence Fund, the anonymous donor is continuing Garrett’s legacy of providing educational and life guidance to our student-athletes, and we are very thankful for the generosity.”
The donor’s planned gift was made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University. To learn more about bequests and other planned gifts to WVU, visit plannedgiving.wvuf.org.