Foundation

It’s been 10 years since former West Virginia University Emergency Medicine resident Greg Seftick died in an avalanche at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Shortly after the tragic accident, the WVU Foundation worked with Seftick’s family and the School of Medicine to establish the Dr. Gregory Seftick Wilderness Medicine Fund. Now, Seftick’s family has partnered with the Foundation again to launch a crowdfunding effort that builds upon his legacy.

Applications are now being accepted for the seventh round of grants through an enrichment fund established by Women of WVU. 

Gov. Jim Justice announced on Monday (April 12) the launch of the nation’s premier remote work program, aimed at recruiting outdoor enthusiast professionals to the Mountain State. The program, called Ascend WV, supported by West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys, will allow adventurers to enjoy world-class recreation, uncrowded spaces, and a low cost of living while staying fully connected to their jobs, and it comes with the country’s best remote worker incentive package: $12,000 and a year’s worth of free outdoor recreation.

The West Virginia University Foundation honored donors whose recent planned gifts will benefit the future of the University. The Irvin Stewart Society virtually welcomed 132 new members at its 26th celebration event April 9. WVU President Gordon Gee and WVU Foundation President & CEO Cindi Roth were main speakers at the event. A recorded version of the ceremony is available here.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, West Virginia University’s Bucklew Scholars continue to maintain high standards for academics, a passion for discovery and a desire to serve their state and others, while eagerly awaiting an opportunity to travel abroad.

A Charleston man’s $1.27 million gift to the WVU Cancer Institute will help improve cancer care for future patients in memory of his late wife, certified orthopedic nurse Deborah K. Knowles.

Private philanthropic support is driving timely COVID-19 research by West Virginia University that could ultimately save lives in the Mountain State. The Virginia-based Foster Family Foundation provided $75,000 to support collaborative efforts to identify variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Peter Stoilov, associate professor of biochemistry at the West Virginia University School of Medicine is helping to lead the laboratory efforts of a statewide partnership between WVU Medicine, Marshall University and the state Department of Health and Human Resources to identify COVID-10 variants.

From classrooms and laboratories to residence halls, meeting rooms and a variety of nearby shops and restaurants, West Virginia University is focused on fostering a more inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff that extends across the University and beyond.

In the year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, West Virginia University alumni and friends have contributed over $18.1 million to ensure students can achieve their dreams by enrolling at WVU or proceeding with their education.