More than 22,000 donors gave more than $260 million to West Virginia University over the past year, making it the third most successful fundraising year in the University’s history. The positive impact of these generous donations — made through the WVU Foundation — will be felt across the Mountain State for generations to come. (WVU Foundation Photo)
West Virginia University supporters gave $260.7 million over the past year, making it the third highest year of giving in the University’s history. Their gifts will benefit education, health care and prosperity to make a positive impact across the Mountain State and beyond for years to come.
For the fiscal year from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, WVU Foundation data shows 22,384 donors — including 8,871 alumni — made 47,473 gifts totaling $260.7 million.
“Our supporters are truly amazing,” WVU Foundation President and CEO Cindi Roth said. “Year in and year out, our alumni and friends remain steadfast and true to their generosity. These investments help our students, faculty, staff and researchers achieve in ways that would not otherwise be possible. They also assist our health care professionals to provide outstanding patient care. I want to thank our donors for once again stepping up.”
The overall fundraising total is third only to the record $282.6 million donated in fiscal year 2024 and $270.1 million donated in fiscal year 2021.
“Such support is critical as we move into a new era for West Virginia University,” President Michael T. Benson, who officially became the University’s 27th president on July 15, said.
“I am looking forward to working closely with the WVU Foundation in the coming months and years to provide our supporters more reasons to give to ensure our students have the best opportunities available to learn and grow.”
Principal and leadership gifts received in fiscal year 2025 include a donation from the Deem family establishing an endowed professorship in the WVU College of Law, a $2 million planned gift from Paula and Keith Lilly that will support four different colleges and schools, two significant in-kind software donations benefiting both the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, and multiple seven-figure donations to WVU Medicine. Another highlight of the year was Day of Giving on March 26, which set new records in number of donors and gifts, as well as dollars raised.
Gifts made to the WVU Foundation are spent as directed by the donor. Most gifts are designated for a specific purpose — including scholarships, research, facilities, service programs and more — that supports the University’s land-grant mission.
WVU Foundation Scholar Lilah Coe graduated in December 2024 with her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminology. She now works for the Neurodevelopmental Center at WVU Medicine Children’s as a registered behavior technician, serving children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
“The WVU Foundation Scholarship allowed me to make the most out of my college experience by taking the financial worry out of the equation,” Coe said, enabling her to pursue a passion for outdoor recreation, conduct undergraduate research and gain real-world work experience. “This scholarship also allowed me the time and opportunity to connect with my community in ways I might never have otherwise.”
Dannell Boatman, assistant professor for the WVU School of Medicine, leads the Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science or CHATS Lab at the WVU Cancer Institute, which strives to improve health in West Virginia through better communication.
“Donor support is critical to advancing the work of the CHATS Lab and the Cancer Institute,” Boatman said. “This funding allows us to be responsive to the emerging needs of our state.”
Foundation officials said 33 donors gave $1 million or more to the University in FY 2025. The contributions span all areas of the University, including academics, research, health sciences and athletics.
A rebranding of the Mountaineer Athletic Club or MAC — the fundraising unit supporting WVU Athletics — sparked significant donor interest. A total of 123 new members joined the Summit Society, which recognizes MAC donors who make philanthropic gift commitments of $25,000 or more to support facilities, as well as the Athletic Director’s Opportunity Fund and other philanthropic designations. Annual giving to the MAC set a record in FY 2025 at nearly $18.5 million.
Efforts to address growing health care needs continue to drive supporters to give to WVU Medicine, including an outpatient clinic for WVU Medicine Children’s and a new home for the WVU Eye Institute. Patients have shown their gratitude for WVU Medicine clinical services with anonymous gifts to the WVU Cancer Institute and Eye Institute totaling $1 million, and a $150,000 gift to help restore labor and delivery services at Uniontown Hospital, among others.
The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute also received a $1 million donation from a grateful patient family that wished to remain anonymous. Another donor was inspired to make a $100,000 gift to RNI after watching a re-airing of the “60 Minutes” segment on the Institute’s focused ultrasound therapy.
Chartered in 1954, the WVU Foundation is a private nonprofit corporation that generates, receives and administers private gifts for the benefit of the University. Supporters interested in making a gift to WVU can donate at give.wvu.edu or contact a development officer at 304-284-4000 or 800-847-3856.
Find more information about the WVU Foundation and its mission to benefit the University.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Nevin
Associate Vice President, Communications
WVU Foundation
304-284-4056; wnevin@wvuf.org
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