WVU hosted three campus events during the inaugural Day of Giving.
It was promoted as “One Day to Give Back” and supporters of West Virginia University responded Wednesday (Nov. 8) during the University’s first Day of Giving.
Unofficial numbers show more than 2,500 gifts were made totaling more than $2.9 million. A more detailed report will be released in the coming days.
“I have learned never to be surprised at the depth of the generosity of West Virginia University’s supporters, and the results of our first-ever Day of Giving campaign did nothing to change that feeling,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “The affection for and commitment to all of our campuses is unparalleled. We are humbled by the thoughtful support to student scholarships and the University’s greatest needs — ensuring that future students, faculty and staff will continue to experience an outstanding education at West Virginia University.”
The Day of Giving’s success was buoyed by several global matches and participation gifts, as well as those made at the college/school/unit level. WVU alumni Doug and Pam Van Scoy, and another donor, funded a dollar-for-dollar match of the first $150,000 in gifts. That challenge was met within the first eight hours of the 24-hour online giving event. Alumnus Ken Kendrick also matched the first 1,000 donations made of $150 or more (up to $150 per gift) for a total of $150,000.
“Thank you to everyone who participated in our first-ever WVU Day of Giving,” said Mary Esposito, who led the effort for the WVU Foundation. “The excitement for the day was so great to see from all of our WVU alumni, students, faculty and staff. The engagement on social media was phenomenal, as well.”
WVU’s inaugural Day of Giving was focused on raising private dollars for the University’s greatest priorities and opportunities, including scholarships and unrestricted funds at both the University and unit specific level.
“In one day, our supporters truly stepped up to help make a difference for WVU,” Esposito added. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the response.”
All contributions made on the WVU Day of Giving count in the Foundation’s comprehensive “State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University” which ends Dec. 31.
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CONTACT: Mary Esposito,
WVU Foundation
304.284-4016; mesposito@wvuf.org