The first Student Philanthropy Day event will take place at West Virginia University on 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 27) in the Mountainlair commons area. The event is hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and the WVU Foundation.

“The purpose of the Student Philanthropy Day is to educate students about the impact private gifts have on the institution and our students,” said Erica Bentley, Student Affairs grants and development administrator. “It is also a time to share with donors how much their support is valued by the University.”

Students in receipt of scholarships, as a result of private donations to the WVU Foundation, are encouraged to stop by and show their appreciation for their gifts. At the event, students will have the opportunity to sign a thank you banner that will be presented to all that have donated to the A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University.

“A State of Minds” is the largest private fundraising campaign in WVU’s history. The $750 million goal is three times larger than the previous “Building Greatness” campaign from 1998-2003.

Students can also take a picture in a “photo booth of thanks” to thank their specific donor or all donors while enjoying free popcorn, cookies, hot chocolate and coffee.

“We want to inform students that they should give in the future because there are many programs and activities on campus that are not funded through state appropriations or tuition and fees,” Bentley said. “Private donors make up much of the difference to take our programs to a higher level.

“Gifts from private donors provides scholarship awards, buys research equipment, funds travel and professional development, travel abroad trips, emergency funds, upgrades existing facilities and sometimes provides funding for new buildings.”

Participants will be entered into a drawing for an iPad mini.

For more information on giving, visit http://sadevelopment.wvu.edu/ or for more information on A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University visit http://www.astateofminds.com/.

-WVU-

ta/02/25/14

CONTACT: Erica Bentley, Student Affairs Development
304.293.8944, Erica.Bentley@mail.wvu.edu

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