Contributions from David Hendrickson, a WVU alumnus and Charleston attorney, include $40,000 for the Pride Practice Facility, $30,000 for the WVU Alumni Association President’s Fund, $25,000 for the men’s golf program and $10,000 for the Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the College of Law. (WVU Photo)
West Virginia University students, alumni, fans and more will benefit from a proud alumni leader’s recent gifts to his alma mater totaling $105,000.
Charleston attorney David Hendrickson earned his bachelor’s degree in history and law degree from WVU. His contribution includes $40,000 for the Pride Practice Facility, $30,000 for the WVU Alumni Association President’s Fund, $25,000 for the men’s golf program and $10,000 for the Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the College of Law.
Hendrickson’s gift was provided in conjunction with the sixth Day of Giving at WVU, a 24-hour online fundraising effort to support the University’s greatest needs. The March 22 event raised $18.1 million from 8,200 gifts made by alumni and friends.
Hendrickson said he appreciates the donors who enhanced his WVU experience by contributing to scholarships, professorships and job opportunities.
“For me to be able to give back is an honor and a privilege,” Hendrickson said. “I think every alum should do it. It doesn’t have to be a big gift. It could be $5 or $10. And you can give back in other ways — teach a class, come back and tell people about your experience or encourage students you know to go to WVU because it is a great value for the education you get.”
Hendrickson received an Army ROTC scholarship to attend WVU, where he served as student body president from 1978-79. Inspired by Perry Mason as a child, Hendrickson went to law school to become a litigator and eventually launched his own legal practice, Hendrickson & Long PLLC, with partner R. Scott Long.
As a Milan Puskar Stadium boxholder for 30 years, Hendrickson enjoys cheering on the “Pride of West Virginia” at WVU football games. He said he’s always been impressed by Mountaineer Marching Band performances, and he is eager to see what the band can achieve with a dedicated rehearsal space.
“There is hardly a better ambassador than the ‘Pride of West Virginia’ for both West Virginia University and the state of West Virginia,” Keith Jackson, dean of the College of Creative Arts, said. “Dave’s investment in the marching band speaks volumes about his pride of place and his love for his alma mater. We are so grateful for Dave’s support of the Pride Practice Field and Facility project. Thanks to support like this from alumni, there is a bright future ahead for the marching band.”
Hendrickson has been actively involved with the WVU Alumni Association for decades. He launched a chapter in Hilton Head, South Carolina, while he briefly lived there in the 1980s. He has served as national president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and as president of his local chapter. He was honored as Outstanding Alumnus during Homecoming festivities in 2004.
“Dave’s deep connection with WVU began as an undergraduate and has carried on throughout his life as a loyal alum,” said Kevin Berry, CEO of the WVU Alumni Association. “He is a passionate Mountaineer who cares deeply about and has invested in the enhancement of our alma mater. His generosity, over many years, as a volunteer and donor has had a transformational effect on the University community.”
Hendrickson’s gift to the men’s golf program will help cover operating costs. The team continues its season Monday, April 17, hosting the two-day Mountaineer Invitational at Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
“The support and passion that Dave Hendrickson has shown for Athletics is nothing short of amazing,” said Steve Uryasz, deputy athletics director and sport administrator for men’s golf. “His gift to our golf program will help Coach Sean Covich and our student-athletes compete at the highest level. Since the reinstatement of the men’s golf program in 2014, donors such as Dave Hendrickson have provided the support necessary to compete for championships, and we are proud of our student-athletes on and off the golf course.”
The Veterans Advocacy Clinic helps military veterans across the state deal with legal issues while simultaneously offering valuable real-world experiential learning opportunities for College of Law students. Hendrickson served in the U.S. Army from 1982-86, and he has provided legal assistance to veterans through his own firm.
“With so many veterans in West Virginia who need assistance, it is critical that the College of Law’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic offer representation and outreach statewide,” Amelia Smith Rinehart, William J. Maier, Jr. Dean of the College of Law, said. “Mr. Hendrickson’s generosity enables our clinic to continue to serve those West Virginians who have served our country, and to invest in educating a new generation of attorneys with experience and expertise in veterans’ legal needs.”
Hendrickson supported higher education throughout the state as former chairman of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. He previously taught a history course at WVU, where he has also contributed to the Mountaineer Athletic Club, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and other units across campus. He has been recognized for his generosity with membership in the Jerry West, Irvin Stewart and Woodburn Circle societies.
Hendrickson’s gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
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