The National Capital Area Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association has a long-standing commitment to WVU.

Members of the chapter have come together to unite Mountaineers through social and professional networking. The group raises money to support worthwhile programs that benefit the University, including student scholarships, internships and new construction.

Following the annual Alumni Luncheon on Capitol Hill in July, the chapter reinforced its commitment by presenting the University with donations totaling more than $25,000.

“Our chapter is passionate about supporting our alma mater and current WVU students,” said Darren Feeley, WVU alumnus and chapter president. “We all feel very connected to WVU, and through these donations, we hope the continuation of these programs will provide students with ample opportunities to succeed.”

The chapter presented $7,500 to the Alumni Association, in support of its student internship program. Each year the association provides internships to nearly 15 students, providing a unique, hands-on learning opportunity for students to gain experience in a professional environment, while helping them expand their networks with alums.

“Having such wonderful support has provided us with opportunities to learn and grow professionally. It has been such a blessing to work at the Alumni Association and have such a caring alumni base. We are so thankful,” said intern Nicole Atkinson, a WVU senior from Winfield studying professional writing and editing.

WVU Foundation President Cindi Roth accepted a $10,000 donation for the chapter’s John F. and Lucy Nicholas Memorial Fund. To date, more than $170,000 has been raised for the scholarship, making it the second largest alumni chapter fund. This scholarship provides financial assistance to current WVU students from the Washington metro area.

A gift of $7,500 was also given to the Mountaineer Athletic Club for the chapter’s newly endowed athletic scholarship to be awarded to a student athlete from the Washington, D.C., area.

The National Capital Area Chapter has raised more than $325,000 for WVU, including gifts to The Erickson Alumni Center, Mountaineer Parents Club and Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund, among others. For more information about the chapter, visit http://www.wvualumni.org/.

The gifts to the WVU Foundation and the Mountaineer Athletic Club were made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $750 million comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2015. For more information about WVU Alumni Association giving opportunities, contact Nicole Riggleman at 304-293-4731.

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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0792, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu

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