On March 26, the West Virginia University community will come together for its annual Day of Giving, a 24-hour fundraising effort organized by the WVU Foundation.
Supporters of the WVU School of Dentistry are encouraged to participate in the event to make a difference for the state’s only dental school.
In appreciation of donors’ support and the important role they play in making a difference for the school, the first 50 gifts of $100 or more to any dentistry fund on WVU Day of Giving will unlock a $10,000 donation from Dr. Stephen Pachuta, alumnus and dean, for the School of Dentistry General Scholarship Fund.
Impact greatest needs
From student scholarships and faculty retention to facilities renovations and technology upgrades, alumni and friends can support initiatives based on their interests. Additionally, a gift to one of the funds listed below can go even further to help meet the greatest needs.
- School of Dentistry General Scholarship Fund (Fund #2S123): Our students are following their purpose to serve others and improve well-being through oral health, but the increased cost of education is becoming a barrier for many wishing to enter the field of dentistry.
- Facilities Fund (Fund #2W686): With your help, the next generation of dentists and dental hygienists will be trained in radically modernized facilities at the WVU School of Dentistry through an extensive expansion and renovation project.
- Dental Century Fund (Fund #2U045): The impact of a gift to the Dental Century Fund, or the Dean’s Fund, can be felt in the classroom, in the clinic and in the community. Offering the flexibility needed to support all areas of the school, your gift contributes to pressing needs.
Participate in social challenges
Various social media challenges provide the opportunity for supporters to make even of an impact by earning extra funding. The school has been Day of Giving challenge winners in the past, and challenges below were selected as opportunities to help put the school on top.
- Social Prop Challenge (March 17-25): Take a photo or video with the Day of Giving flag prop, share on social using #WVUDayofGiving and tag the WVU School of Dentistry account on that platform. WVU will select one of the best posts between March 17 and March 25 to receive an extra $500 for the unit tagged.
- WVU Pet Photo Challenge (March 26, All Day): On social, share a picture of your pet(s) in WVU gear and WVU will select some of the most creative to earn additional funding. Make sure to include #WVUDayofGiving and tag the School of Dentistry.
- Most Gifts Challenge (March 26, 6-7 p.m.): It’s time for a gift sprint! The top three participating groups with the most gifts between 6 and 7 p.m. will win additional funding.
Participate by tagging the WVU School of Dentistry on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter and using #WVUDayofGiving. To be eligible, users must make sure their privacy settings for the post are set to public.
Get assistance
Alumni and friends of the School of Dentistry who have questions about WVU Day of Giving or other giving opportunities should contact Director of Development Dee O’Palko at dopalko@wvuf.org or 304-413-5049 (call or text) to learn more.
Visit dayofgiving.wvu.edu/dentistry to give on March 26.
-WVU-
jw/3/20/25
CONTACT: Jessica Wilmoth
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental