Supporters of West Virginia University donated more than $6.2 million on November 14 during the University’s second annual Day of Giving, more than doubling last year’s total. And on just its fifth day with its new name, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics made the day count that was promoted as “One Day to Give Back.”

WVU’s business school raised $1,878,033 on the strength of 365 separate gifts, leading the University in both the amount raised and the total number of gifts. The total donated to WVU was $6,243,176 through 3,001 gifts during the 24-hour online giving event.

Sarah Buda, Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations, said Day of Giving represented a team campaign to let people know that giving back to the business school helps it do more. 

“Day of Giving is a grassroots effort to inspire people to give,” Buda said. “Our generous donors showed us that they support our business school in general, but they are also enthusiastic about our special initiatives. No matter the size of the gift, this day is a true example of how small gifts can make a big impact.”

She also explained that there were matching gifts and giving challenges established prior to the special day to serve as incentives for people to give back. Those matches and challenges included:

• Chambers College Visiting Committee matched dollar-for-dollar gifts made to the Greatest Needs Fund up to $46,800;
  
• an anonymous donor created a first-of-its-kind student enrichment fund for students to receive immersive and hands-on experiences outside of the traditional classroom, matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000;
  
• the first 25 donations to the Student Managed Investment Fund unlocked a $25,000 donation from alumnus Fred Tattersall;
  
• 40 gifts to the General Scholarship Fund released a $50,000 gift from alumnus Fred Tattersall;
  
• 67 years ago, the College was founded at WVU in 1951; in recognition, an anonymous donor unlocked a $10,000 gift to the new Student Enrichment Fund when the College received more than 67 first-time donors;
  
• MSIR alumnus Marc Chini and his wife, Deborah, offered a challenge gift of $60,000 to celebrate the MSIR’s 60th anniversary and benefiting the MSIR Leadership Professorship in Honor of William Hutchison to be used as a 3-for-1 match; and
  
• business school alumnus Marty Becker matched, dollar for dollar, gifts made anywhere within the College up to $25,000.

“Our Day of Giving success this year shows the high level of engagement we have with our business school family and the connection our graduates have to their beloved institution,” said Javier Reyes, Milan Puskar Dean. “Our 365 gifts consisted of a significant number of first-time donors, residents from 30 different states, a substantial number of faculty and staff, and dozens of students. The success we had with our matches and challenges was terrific and, on behalf of the entire John Chambers College of Business and Economics, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks.”