West Virginia University’s P.I. Reed School of Journalism has created a new organization to honor its donors.

The SOJ Loyalty Club is for donors who have given $1,000 or more during the School’s annual campaign.

Dean Maryanne Reed, SOJ faculty, alumni and friends gathered in Martin Hall on Sept. 30. to celebrate at the School’s second annual Donor Recognition Ceremony. Reed stressed the importance of annual giving and its impact on students. As part of the event, three students shared their summer internship experiences at CBS News, the Cleveland Cavaliers and BritBound.com, a London-based website for travelers to the U.K. The students’ each received financial support from the School’s annual giving fund.

Reed also announced new members to the School’s established giving societies displayed on the Wall of Honor in the main foyer of Martin Hall. New members include the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Ford Foundation —both added to the “Friends of Martin Hall;” the McCormick Foundation, a member of the “P.I. Reed Circle of Friends;” and Ralph and Janet Izard, members of the “P.I. Reed Society.”

Thanks to the generosity of private foundations, the School is recognized as one of the top three producers for private foundation support at WVU.

Reed thanked the donors and alumni in attendance for their continued support of the School of Journalism and its students.

“Each of you has invested in our mission,” said Reed. “And I want to ensure you that your investment has paid off in multiple ways.”

-WVU-

cv/10/05/10

CONTACT: Kimberly Brown, School of Journalism
304-293-3505 ext. 5403

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.