West Virginia University’s effort to raise $1 billion has reached another milestone. The WVU Foundation announced Monday, May 2, that new gifts and pledges to A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University totaled nearly $953 million through March 31, or more than 95 percent of the goal with 21 months remaining in the Campaign.

“Our achievement updates every three months of this Campaign continue to show steady progress toward our goal,” WVU Foundation President and CEO Cindi Roth said. “Our alumni and friends, foundation and corporate partners have shown tremendous support, and we want to thank each and every donor. We know the needs of the University remain great, and now is the time to join us in this effort. We invite everyone to be part of this historic Campaign.”

The number of donors to the Campaign through March 31 totaled 82,007, making 326,451 gifts. This includes donations from 34,988 alumni and more than 6,200 corporations.

Through the Campaign, donors have created 665 endowed scholarships, 26 endowed faculty chairs, 25 endowed professorships, and 201 new funds to assist research efforts at WVU.

The University’s “Dream First” initiative, a focused effort begun last year to raise $50 million for undergraduate scholarships and fellowships as part of the “State of Minds” Campaign, has raised more than $39 million, or 78 percent of its goal.

“The continued generosity and support of Mountaineers for West Virginia University is truly outstanding,” WVU President Gordon Gee said. “I am especially pleased by the response to the ‘Dream First’ initiative that directly supports undergraduate students. The success of the Campaign thus far is a clear reflection of and tribute to the momentum this institution is experiencing.”

New gifts to the Campaign during the past quarter include: “The Mary “Mickey Welch Scholars Program, Professor Chin-Yung Wen Chemical Engineering Opportunity Fund, Dr. Terry L. Sharik Natural Resources Diversity Fund, Core-Myers Alpha Scholarship Fund and the Geology Student Field Experience Endowment.

To learn more about the Campaign and how you can make a donation, visit: www.astateofminds.com

-WVU-

bn/05/02/16

CONTACT: Bill Nevin; WVU Foundation
304.284.4056; wnevin@wvuf.org

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