By Abby Hudson
For 150 years, 鶹Ƶhas been celebrating Founders Day, the anniversary of the college. 鶹ƵState was founded by an act of the West Virginia Legislature on February 19, 1872. At that time, we were known as the 鶹ƵBranch of the West Virginia State Normal School. Part of that celebration is a fundraising campaign focusing on areas of need for the campus.
This year, the giving campaign will be celebrated throughout the week of February 13, culminating on Sunday, February 19. It will focus on raising money for areas of need on campus such as academics, athletics, scholarships, and campus improvements.
David Hutchinson, Vice President for College Advancement and Executive Director of the 鶹ƵState University Foundation, said, “By celebrating Founders Day, we honor our history and those who have made our successes possible. That includes our alumni, of course, but also our current students, current and former faculty and staff, and our friends and supporters.”
Last year, there was a lot of buzz and excitement around the Day of Giving because we celebrated our 150th anniversary and officially received university status around the same time. Hutchinson hopes to continue that excitement this year by working with the alumni and friends to make them aware of this year’s and to again ask for their support.
One of the events that was successful last year was the Founders Day Gala. This year, the party is taking place on Saturday, February 18. Tickets are sold for $35 each; that includes a reception, dinner, and dancing. It will take place in the Mollohan Campus Community Center. Hutchinson said, “It is a great night to have fun and celebrate 鶹ƵState University, $10 from each ticket will be a donation to the general Pioneer Fund, which supports all programs at the University.”
In addition to the Gala, nearly 50 specific fundraising areas are set up on the website at and you can go there to see the fundraising campaigns that are in place. Students and staff may also want to sign up to champion certain causes (a team they’re a member of, an extracurricular they enjoy, or their specific department). Supporters across the community are reaching out on social media to spread the word. The foundation staff can provide more information about that process, or you can learn more on the website.