A $1 million gift to the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics bridges experiential learning and community outreach by expanding support for Data Driven WV. Impressed with the center and its purpose, sisters Dori Lewis Smith and Jeannie Lewis have generously supported the program honoring their parents’ memory.
Accepting a charge from West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson to boldly carry forward the University’s land-grant mission of service and leadership, thousands of graduates crossed the Commencement stage at the Hope Coliseum May 15-17.
Six members of the West Virginia University Class of 2026 and two December 2025 graduates have earned the Order of Augusta, the University’s most prestigious honor for academic excellence, leadership and service. The eight inductees were selected from the 52 WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors.
Twenty incoming West Virginia University students from across the Mountain State who are driven by shared passions for innovation and service have been named the 2026-27 cohort of Bucklew Scholars. From this distinguished group, five have been selected as Foundation Scholars, the highest academic scholarship the University awards.
A senior executive who has spent the past 14 years in progressive roles at the West Virginia University Foundation has been named the organization’s new vice president and chief financial officer/treasurer. Melissa L. Simpson will begin her new position July 1.
Continuing a West Virginia University tradition, Reese Allen — a senior mechanical engineering and data science major in the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources — officially began his duties as the 72nd Mountaineer mascot during a symbolic rifle passing ceremony at the Mountainlair on Friday (April 17).
West Virginia University continues to operate on solid financial ground with a “stable outlook,” according to the three largest credit rating agencies. President Michael T. Benson reported positive ratings from S&P Global, Fitch Ratings and Moody’s during Friday’s (April 17) Board of Governors meeting.
Supporters of West Virginia University made a record number of gifts and contributed more than $22 million during the University’s ninth Day of Giving Wednesday (March 25). Every state was represented on the donor map.
Alumni and friends will have the opportunity to amplify the impact of their gifts Wednesday (March 25) during Day of Giving at West Virginia University. Participants can unlock additional dollars for the areas of WVU that matter most to them by taking part in day-long and hourly challenges.
After nearly 13 years of visionary leadership, Cynthia “Cindi” L. Roth has announced plans to retire as president and chief executive officer of the West Virginia University Foundation later this year.