A West Virginia University staff member for more than 35 years, Joan Wright is a firm believer in the University and its power to transform lives. Wright says giving back to the University that has so much impact in so many places through the WVU Foundation’s Campus Campaign is very important to her.

WVU faculty and staff will now have that same opportunity to invest in their University through “Your Passion-Your University-Your Gift”, the Foundation’s annual private fundraising campaign for faculty and staff that runs through June 1.

“I get to see first-hand the impact of my giving, whether it is a scholarship for first generation students to attend college or funding to support research that matters to the state’s farmers, businesses and families,” said Wright, who works at Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design. “That’s why I am proud to be an annual giver who supports the many, immensely valuable WVU programs.”

Through private giving, University employees are encouraged to contribute to the campaign.

Faculty and staff have the option to designate their gifts to any specific department or program at WVU, or as unrestricted to support the University’s greatest needs. Each gift, in its entirety, goes directly to the fund designated by the donor, without any money being deducted for operational costs.

Donations can be made by check, online or through payroll deduction. All employees will be receiving materials about the campaign and further information on how to contribute this month. All donors will receive a Campus Campaign window cling. Donors also have the opportunity to be placed into several Campus Campaign donor recognition clubs.

“You can make a gift to the area you feel most passionate about – whether it is research, the arts, an academic initiative in a college, athletics, student life, scholarships or numerous other programs,” Wright said. “Your gift – no matter the amount – represents a united commitment to our University.”

Robert Bastress Jr., a WVU College of Law faculty member and long-time supporter of the Campus Campaign, shared similar sentiments.

“The collective impact that the faculty’s gifts can have on the work of the University – in helping a student, a patient, a program, a college and ultimately the state – cannot be underestimated,” Bastress said. “The willingness of individual, corporate and foundation donors to contribute to the University’s mission is directly related to the degree to which the University community supports itself.

“Your participation at any level will be most appreciated.”

For more information on the Campus Campaign, visit http://www.TheCampusCampaign4WVU.org or call the WVU Foundation, 304.284.4000.

Established in 1954, the WVU Foundation is a private non-profit corporation that generates, receives and administers private gifts for the benefit of West Virginia University.

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CONTACT: Kristen Shipp, WVU Foundation
304.284.4016; KShipp@wvuf.org

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