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The largest private fundraising campaign in West Virginia University history saw more than 90,000 donors contribute just over $1.2 billion to the University.

Alumni and friends of WVU contributed $1,218,886,505 to the “State of Minds” campaign which ended Dec. 31, WVU President Gordon Gee announced Tuesday (Feb. 27) during his State of the University Address at Erickson Alumni Center. That amount is more than $200 million over the campaign’s $1 billion goal. 

Don Hoylman attributes the success of his three children to the education and opportunities they received as students at West Virginia University.  He also credits WVU with being a positive driver for his vision and success in creating and growing his businesses.  

The Harrison County native and longtime Marion County resident, who has enjoyed a very successful career in the mining, gas and oil business, is now giving back to WVU with a transformational leadership donation through his trust. Amount of the gift is not being made public at this time at the donor’s request. The substantial gift will be split evenly between the College of Business and Economics and the WVU Cancer Institute.

A West Virginia University School of Medicine alumnus has established a scholarship honoring Rashida Khakoo, MD, professor and infectious disease section chief within the School of Medicine.

John Holloway, MD, a 1979 graduate of the School of Medicine, said Khakoo left a tremendous impact on him and his medical career.

A $100,000 endowment has been established by Richard Swanson and his wife Kathryn Skitarelic Swanson, MD, to support students enrolled in the histotechnology program within the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

The Mildred C. Swanson Scholarship in Histotechnology was endowed to honor Richard’s mother Mildred Swanson who worked as a histologist at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital for 18 years until her retirement in 1976.

A $20,000 scholarship has been established to support a medical student at the West Virginia University School of Medicine Charleston Campus.

The Dr. Brittain and Judith H. McJunkin Mountaineer Medical Scholar has been established by Brittain McJunkin, MD, and his wife, Judy, to support a student throughout his or her time with the School of Medicine Charleston Campus.

A newly established CEHS scholarship from Drs. Donald and Catherine Perry Cotten will support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in teacher education. 

“As major supporters of public education, Catherine and I believe in every person having access," Cotten said. "If it had not been for that access, in my case, I would not have been able to do what I have done and continue to do. We are pleased with the current spirit at the University in promoting and continuing to serve the state and the community. We hope our small gift will help continue to support the mission of our land-grant institution.” 

A $20,000 scholarship has been established to support a medical student at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.

The Dr. and Mrs. Phillip Mathias Mountaineer Medical Scholar has been established by Phillip Mathias, MD, and his wife, Dolores, to support a student throughout his or her time with the School of Medicine.

Inspired by the exceptional undergraduate education he received at West Virginia University, alumnus Rustin Moore has established a scholarship fund that will help graduates of the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design transition to the next level of their academic careers.

Moore recently committed $25,000 to establish the Dr. Rustin M. Moore Veterinary Medical Education Fund to support pre-vet students who are West Virginia residents and have been accepted into the veterinary program at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

West Virginia University Reed College of Media students will work with local communities to tell and “sell” their stories thanks to a grant from the American Electric Power Foundation.

The $250,000 grant supports WVU’s Community Branding Initiative, BrandJRNY. Students enrolled in specialized upper-level strategic communications courses will develop integrated communications campaigns for selected West Virginia communities within AEP’s Appalachian Power service area. Students will hone skills in campaign research, strategy, community engagement, budgeting, innovative storytelling and creating promotional materials, while they discover and decide how best to brand each community.

West Virginia University is expanding its efforts to propel West Virginia’s workforce into today’s digital economy.