The West Virginia University (WVU) Foundation has raised more than $270 million for the 2021 fiscal year to enhance the school’s educational programs and outreach activities.
More than 18,000 donors contributed to WVU from July 2020 to June 2021, surpassing the university’s previous fundraising record of $197.8 million set in 2020. More than half the donors are alumni.
According to WVU Foundation President Cindi Roth, the record-breaking donations reflect the generosity of those who are always ready to help, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also stated that the fundraising effort would not have been successful without the invaluable contributions of staff who exerted extra effort “at a most challenging and difficult time.”
The university launched several initiatives that contributed to its fundraising success, such as the “We Are Stronger Together” campaign that brought in over $23 million. On March 3, the school also held the “WVU Day of Giving,” which raised nearly $12 million.
‘Bolstering Campus Improvements’
WVU President Gordon Gee expressed his pleasure at the outcome of the campaign, saying the university is really fortunate to have such strong and unwavering support from its alumni and friends.
He explained that the money will be used “to continue the investments we are making to help current and future students, retain and attract world-class faculty, aid in our research efforts, and bolster improvements to our campuses.”
Meanwhile, Executive Vice President of the WVU Foundation, B.J. Davisson, admitted that he was pleased by the overall effort to make the fundraising campaign successful.
He said that despite the challenges associated with working remotely due to the pandemic, the staff really stepped up and did their best to attract more donors.