Development
Building Greatness Campaign: West Virginia University Success
Dr. Irvin Stewart, president of West Virginia University from 1946-1958, wrote: "The State University is a people's university. It belongs to the people in a real sense. They can determine the direction and rate of its growth by the way in which they grant or withhold their support."
This statement continues to be significant, as we end the five-year Building Greatness Campaign: West Virginia University. Approximately $336 million was raised University-wide (surpassing the initial goal of $250 million), and approximately $15.4 million was received in the College of Creative Arts (far exceeding our goal).
The Building Greatness Campaign was initiated to assist students and faculty, enhance academic and research programs, improve technological capacity, expand outreach efforts, and renovate the physical campus.
The Building Greatness Campaign provided an excellent opportunity for alumni and friends to get involved in a "real sense," to step forward, and determine the direction of our University. At WVU, our successful Building Greatness Campaign now defines us as a truly great institution. Private support made this possible, and WVU offers a sincere thank you.
College of Creative Arts Success
The College of Creative Arts experienced great success in the Building Greatness Campaign, many challenges have been met, and the benefits are being realized.
A record number of student-centered endowments have been created. These new funds will assist students in many ways including: scholarships; media and technology improvements; visiting artist opportunities; support for national and international travel for performances, research and conferences; and improved resources in the music library.
The Building Greatness Campaign also facilitated the development of new endowments to support faculty positions including an endowed deanship and endowed professorships. Endowments have also been created to partially fund many of the College's special interest programs including the Mountaineer Marching Band. In addition, the WVU Art Collection has grown dramatically with the donation of significant works of art including paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculpture.
Most notably, an $11 million renovation project featuring both University and private support and led by Lyell B. Clay of Charleston, W.Va., has resulted in improvements to all public spaces in the Creative Arts Center. The upgraded lobby, theatres, and recital hall make the Creative Arts Center one of the finest performance and educational spaces in the region.
In the College of Creative Arts, as we reflect on our success in the Building Greatness Campaign, we acknowledge our donors who made it possible. We remain grateful for every campaign donation.
Post Campaign Needs
Does our success in the Building Greatness Campaign mean all of our needs are met? Definitely not! We must not stop here. We must build on the momentum generated by the Campaign. Funding is still needed in some areas, additional scholarship opportunities are always necessary, and each division has special concerns. For the College to be competitive, continued enhancements in technology are crucial. Private support is absolutely essential as we continue to face budgetary restraints and financial limitations.
We ask that you consider making a special post-campaign gift to assist us with vital College operations. By doing so, you will continue to help us support our many student and faculty initiatives. Your gift may be spread out over one year or five years, and we accept pledges for monthly payment. We cannot stress the importance of your contribution and how much your interest is valued and needed.
There are many ways to support the College of Creative Arts, and all levels of giving are welcome. Annual support is the backbone of private support, and participation is encouraged whether you are alumni, faculty, staff member, or a friend of WVU. Gifts can be made in the form of cash, securities, or credit card, and funds can be directed to the College of Creative Arts or to any of the three divisions-art, music, or theatre and dance. Endowments can be created in memory of a loved one or to honor a special individual, and naming opportunities are available throughout the College. Scholarships start at $25,000; textbook scholarships are $10,000; and a variety of initiatives are available at different rates. Any amount you can contribute is appreciated and will help the College accomplish our goals.
Planned and deferred gifts are also excellent ways to give, and these "future" gifts are very significant. One way to extend the benefits the College has received is to consider a gift provision in your will or revocable trust to supplement a gift you made during the Campaign. In your will, the wording of "to the WVU Foundation, Inc., for the benefit of the College of Creative Arts" will guarantee support.
Remember, giving is easy, and the important thing is to get involved, whether through a special gift, annual gift or planned gift.
Private support makes a difference every day!
For more information on how you can make a difference in the College of Creative Arts, or to discuss the needs of the College, please contact the Director of Development Bill Coates at 304-293-4841, Ext.3222, office number 422A, and email: Bill.Coates@mail.wvu.edu.
The mailing address is:
College of Creative Arts
P. O. Box 6111
Morgantown, WV 26506-6111