INSTITUTE, W.Va. — In a ceremony at the school’s campus on Monday, West Virginia State University announced a $1.75 million donation from the BrickStreet Foundation.
The donation, which was presented by CEO of BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company Greg Burton, will be used to permanently endow the BrickStreet Scholars program, as well as for other student needs.
“This is a historic gift for (WVSU). It really opens the doors for so many West Virginians,” said President Brian Hemphill. “We’re so proud of that because it’s a real difference maker.”
Hemphill was appreciative of the relationship the school has with BrickStreet.
“BrickStreet is a company that has really invested in West Virginia in so many different areas,” Hemphill said. “It means such a great deal. They are truly a philanthropic group that believes in helping individuals all across the state.”
Hemphill had some immediate plans for the future of WVSU.
“As a university we’re going to continue to grow. We’re going to focus on growth, we’re going to focus on being responsible stewards of the state’s resource and looking at how we can continue to provide quality education for our students.”
The BrickStreet Scholars Fund was established in 2013; the first scholarships from the endowed fund will be awarded in 2016.
The donation came as part of the university’s campaign, which had a goal to raise $18 million by 2017. After the donation, the campaign has raised over $16.8 million.