Billy and Christie (Mullett) McCartney remember their time on the West Virginia University campus with fond memories, particularly of the activities they participated in as part of Greek life. Billy, a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, and Christie, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, met and, later married, as a result of their involvement with these organizations.
Alumni and friends gathered together today (Nov. 16) at The Erickson Alumni Center for the unveiling of the McCartney Greek Wall. The wall, a celebration of Greek life at WVU, is part of a $200,000 gift made by the couple to the WVU Alumni Association as part of the WVU Foundation’s comprehensive fundraising effort, A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University.
The couple, who have been actively engaged in the life of WVU since graduation, wanted to do something special to celebrate these organizations that meant so much to them.
“Greek life at WVU presented both of us with many opportunities—opportunities to meet new friends, to take on large responsibilities, and to learn from our experiences,” Billy said. “It was great training for the real world.”
The wall, a living history of Greek life on campus, features nostalgic pictures, historical information and other memorabilia. Two interactive displays (one dedicated to fraternities, and one to sororities), generously provided by Erik Muendel, president of Brightline Interactive, will feature lists of Greek organizations – past and present, contact information for the organizations, a search option, photos, and a giving option.
“Billy and Christie have been wonderful stewards for our University, giving generously of their time and financial resources,” said Stephen L. Douglas, president and CEO, WVU Alumni Association. “Phi Sigma Kappa and Kappa Kappa Gamma were instrumental in helping them achieve personal and professional success. This gift is very fitting of their love for these organizations, as well as that of their alma mater.”
Billy graduated from WVU with a degree in chemical engineering in 1995. A native of Bridgeport, W.Va., Billy began his career with Dominion Transmission and later began trading natural gas at CNG Energy Services. He is a partner and energy trader with Vitol, where he leads the firm’s North American natural gas business. Billy was elected in August 2010 to serve on the WVU Foundation Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Houston Symphony, and he and Christie, served as co-presidents of the WVU Alumni Lone Star Chapter of Houston and remain active in chapter activities.
Christie, a native of Huntington, W.Va., graduated from the WVU Honors Program in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdepartmental Studies and a minor in Political Science. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Rice University in 2004 and, upon graduation, worked as a consultant for Futurestep, a division of Korn Ferry. She remains active in life at WVU by serving on the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Visiting Committee and the WVU Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Billy and Christie reside in Houston, Texas, with their three children, Katie Reese, Kinley, and Kellen.
In addition to retiring debt on The Erickson Alumni Center, the WVU Alumni Association has identified two additional goals for the fundraising campaign: create a building maintenance fund for the alumni center and establish an endowment that will assist in developing programs for national and international outreach, enhancing on- and off-campus programs, and assisting the Association’s constituent groups in engaging fellow alumni.
The $750 million campaign, being conducted by the Foundation on behalf of the University, runs through December 2015. Alumni and friends interested in giving opportunities at the WVU Alumni Association can contact Devanna Corley at 304-293-0971.
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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu
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