Beckley, W.Va. – West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) would like to thank everyone who donated or shared information about the WVU Day of Giving on March 22, 2023.
This year, donations exceeded $50,000 from 147 gifts. This includes a $25,000 donation from Jarrett Construction Services, Inc. John Jarrett, ’84, is the owner of Jarrett Construction Services and agreed to donate $25,000 if Tech received 50 donations.
“This phenomenal progress is a testament to what we can do when we come together. It was not about how much one could give, but the fact that so many of us came together to give something that will help our students. With this type of energy and effort, we will continue to build our university,” says Campus President T. Ramon Stuart, Ph.D.
WVU Tech nearly quadrupled last year’s total number of donations from last year and more than doubled the total amount raised. This includes some of the match dollars available through WVU system challenges and funds.
Donors could donate to any department, scholarship or area on campus, but Tech highlighted three areas on campus for donations. The newly named William Benn Student Success Fund was one such fund. William Benn was a student at WVU Tech who had to pause his studies due to financial concerns. Benn tragically lost his life serving in Vietnam before he could finish his degree. This fund will help ensure students who are experiencing financial barriers are able to complete their degrees.
The Golden Bear Athletics general fund and the Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association general fund were the other funds promoted during the Day of Giving.
All donations will be used to help current and future Golden Bear students. Next year’s Day of Giving is tentatively scheduled for March 2024.