Foundation Annual Dinner

The Foundation honored two of our distinguished alumni, Gov. Joe Manchin III, who received an honorary Dr. of Laws Degree in Dec. 2005, and Dr. Reginald Lee, renowned dentist, Class of 1950.  There were two outstanding student speakers, who were recipients of WVSU Scholarships, Mr. Mavery Davis and Ms. Meagan Estep.  The annual dinner is the culmination of fundraising efforts for the Foundation for the year.  Collectively this past year, the Foundation has raised $850,000, which is $100,000 over the 2005/2006 fundraising goal for annual giving of $750,000.  Next year, our goal is to raise over $1,000,000.00.

The invocation and benediction were given by Rev. Paul Willis, chaplain of the WVSU Alumni Association.  The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. James M. Sturgeon, Jr.  Jim is the Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors.  West Virginia State University President, Dr. Hazo Carter, introduced Governor Manchin and West Virginia State Community and Technical College President, Dr. Ervin Griffin, introduced Dr. Lee.  Both honorees received an engraved clock.  Dr. Lee received a framed letter from his friend, Dr. James Holley, who is mayor of Portsmouth, Virginia.  Governor Manchin received a one of a kind, hand made mahogany door from William Lipscomb, owner of Dominion Doors.  Mr. Lipscomb and his uncle, Nicodemis King, created the door specifically for Gov. Manchin.  The door, which had the likeness of Governor Manchin etched in the door, was Mr. Lipscomb’s first celebrity door. 

Light dinner music was provided by student pianist Mr. James Carter.  Cecil Walker Machinery Foundation was the top sponsor at the Platinum level, contributions of $15,000 or more. 

The Foundation operates under a Board of Directors composed of outstanding and influential business leaders, alumni and members of the University staff.  Foundation fund raising is for the purpose of creating, maintaining and perpetuating financial resources at a level guaranteed to insure quality education at West Virginia State University and West Virginia State Community and Technical College.  With the goal of improving the quality of our students’ lives, as well as the quality of life for West Virginia’s citizens, we forge mutually beneficial relationships with other institutions, businesses, cultural organizations, governmental agencies, and agricultural and extension partners.