Giving to Mountain State University

In 1933 Beckley College was born.  Renting classrooms from a local church, the goal was to offer affordable higher education to the local community.  Just coming out of the “Great Depression”, less than 10 percent of high school graduates attended college.  While congress was enacting the “New Deal”, Beckley College was offering a new deal of our own—accessible education. Throughout these 75 years countless thousands of students have made their educational dreams a reality, thanks to our deep commitment to continuing education and innovative programs of study.

In the 1990s major changes began to take place.  Beckley College evolved into The College of West Virginia and began offering four-year degrees and graduate degree programs.  In 2001, Mountain State University was established to recognize the global nature of our programs. 

In 2008, Mountain State University will celebrate 75 years of success.  We have grown from a couple of rented classrooms serving less than 100 students a year, to an international university serving over 6,000 students from nearly every state and a host of other countries.

Kim Ross, MSU Student Government President and Ambassador, receives scholarship assistance thanks to friends and alumni just like you.  Kim receives the ambassador scholarship and several donor supported scholarships and says:

“The ambassador scholarship has helped me to achieve a lifelong dream of mine; becoming a nurse.  It has helped to fund my education by covering the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, and supplies.  The scholarship has also helped me improve my public speaking skills, make valuable connections, and volunteer my time in the community.  These are all skills that I have been able to use not only in the university setting, but also in the healthcare field, allowing me to become a better nurse.  I am so grateful that I have been given this unbelievable honor.  My college education has been greatly supplemented with these awards and I can’t imagine my educational experience without these gracious contributions.  Thank you for your philanthropic support. Without you, my dreams would have never come true”.

Students like Kim are what Mountain State University is all about.  No matter where you are, our programs are designed to fit your life.  Our Faculty and Staff work hard to ensure success for every student; and by contributing to the 2007-2008 annual fund campaign, you share in that partnership.  Each contribution benefits the past, present and future of Mountain State University.

We hope you will decide to contribute to this year’s annual fund.  Please take a moment to review the giving options on the enclosed pledge envelope.  Because this is our 75th year we are asking that you consider increasing your donation; or if you haven’t given before becoming a first-time donor.  If you contributed $50 last year, consider giving $75 this year, if you gave $500, consider giving $750 this year.  Gifts given in “75” increments will be recognized in a special edition of our 2008 annual report.

You are the future of Mountain State University and your contributions will insure continued growth and success.

Make a gift or pledge to MSU now

Print a gift/pledge form *pdf