POSTED: July 30, 2012 – West Liberty University closed the books on a successful year of fundraising efforts on June 30, 2012, after receiving more than $1.76 million in philanthropic support for annual, capital and endowment needs during fiscal 2011-2012.
“Our success is due to the generosity of alumni, friends and foundations, and we are grateful,” said Jason Koegler, vice president of institutional advancement. “Under the leadership of President Robin Capehart, West Liberty University is in a tremendous stage of growth and during our last fiscal year we enjoyed our best fundraising effort ever at $1.95 million. We are pleased that the dollars raised this year continues the momentum. We plan to work even harder to ensure this fundraising consistency for our students, donors and alumni.”
Koegler is assisted by Angela Zambito Hill, director of major gifts.
“I am thankful for our forward-thinking alumni and friends and thankful for the generous support we have received from the community, especially in the area of major gifts. Every dollar raised goes toward enhancing the student experience and providing opportunity for a high-quality education at WLU,” Zambito Hill added.
As of June 30, 2012, the West Liberty University Foundation received a total of $1,453,514 in contributions since July 1, 2011. An additional $310,990 was received in estate gifts. Board giving also was up, with 24 of 31 foundation board members making gifts totaling $607,361 as of June 30, 2012.
Twenty of those individuals qualified for membership in the President’s Circle, which reported a total of 166 members, contributing a total of $1,320,009.
Another area of success was reported with Corporate & Foundation Giving, which as of June 30, reported a total of $448,252.
Additionally, the Kelly Theatre “Encore” Campaign generated $45,518 in donations during 2011-2012. This amount includes $9,300 for new seats and $5,000 toward a new ticket office. Employer matching funds associated with this donation are expected to bring in an additional $9,500 for seats and the ticket office.
“These combined efforts have produced a significant increase in scholarship offerings and many improvements in student academics and activities. In fact, since 2007-08, fundraising is up by 104 percent and the average per-donor contribution has increased by 180 percent in the same five-year period,” Koegler said. “We’re proud to support President Capehart’s vision of moving West Liberty from a good college to a great university.”
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Established as West Liberty Academy in 1837, it was created to respond to the need for higher educational opportunities west of the Appalachians. Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information on the advancement efforts at WLU, please visit westliberty.edu or call 1.866.WESTLIB, ext. 8888.