NC West Virginia News

A $2.2 million planned gift has been made to West Virginia University (WVU), aimed at supporting services for the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics and WVU Athletics. This donation is intended to enhance student success.

The anonymous donor has pledged an estimated $1.5 million through their will to create a fund focused on academic support, experiential learning, career readiness resources for students, and faculty development at the Chambers College.

Experiential learning initiatives at the Chambers College provide students with practical experience in the business world. Faculty members incorporate real corporate projects into courses using facilities such as the Roll Capital Markets Center and the Wehrle Global Supply Chain Lab. Additional labs like the Data Analytics Lab and Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab offer opportunities for collaboration with international businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Student support hubs like the Becker Academic Engagement and Success Center and the Center for Career Development promote co-curricular learning. The Becker Center offers tutoring, mentoring, coaching, and communication assistance while the CCD helps students identify career paths aligned with their skills and interests.

“The Chambers College houses many programs and initiatives that drive student success,” said Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College. “The areas touched by this gift are some of the most powerful. Thanks to this anonymous donor’s generosity, we can continue to empower WVU business students in their careers and lives for years to come.”

The remaining portion of the gift will be allocated to the Garrett Ford Academic Excellence Fund which supports WVU student-athletes with academic enrichment, life skills programming, equipment, supplies, among other needs. The fund honors Garrett Ford Sr., a former Mountaineer running back who guided thousands of WVU student-athletes academically.

Donors contributing planned gifts to WVU are invited to join honorary groups like the Irvin Stewart Society or become part of exclusive programs such as those offered by the Jerry West Society for athletics supporters.

“WVU Athletics strives for excellence on the field and in the classroom, and gifts like this help our student-athletes succeed,” stated Wren Baker, Vice President and Director of Athletics. “By donating to the Garrett Ford Academic Excellence Fund, the anonymous donor is continuing Garrett’s legacy of providing educational and life guidance to our student-athletes, and we are very thankful for their generosity.”