Gift Planning Tools

Irvin Stewart Society

• Overview
• How to Join
• Benefits of Membership

Overview

The Irvin Stewart Society, named for the University’s 13th president, honors those individuals whose gifts provide for the future of West Virginia University.

Dr. Stewart, who served as president from 1946 to 1958, prepared the way for the establishment of the WVU Foundation. He was quoted as saying, “The State University is a people’s university. It belongs to the people in a real sense. They can determine the direction and rate of its growth by the way in which they grant or withhold their support.” Dr. Stewart remained a tireless advocate of the University until his death in 1990. His memory — and legacy of philanthropy — have been carried forward with the creation of the Stewart Society.

Founded in 1992 with 94 charter members, the Society has in excess of 650 living members.

Membership is bestowed upon donors who to benefit the University, Potomac State College of WVU, the Mountaineer Athletic Club, or West Virginia 4-H

• include a gift provision in a will or revocable trust,
• create a life-income gift,
• designate an after-death gift of retirement accounts
• make checking, savings or stock accounts “payable on death,”
• donate life insurance, or
• make a gift of real estate with a retained life interest.

How to Join

If you have already included West Virginia University Foundation in a bequest or other planned gift, we hope you will let us know by filling out the member profile form. Your willingness to be listed as a member of encourages others to follow your example. We acknowledge and respect those who wish to remain anonymous, but we urge you to let us know of your plans on a confidential basis in any case. It supports West Virginia University Foundation ’s planning for the future. Of course, if you have not yet included West Virginia University Foundation in your plans and you would like to explore the best options for you and your family, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be glad to assist you on a confidential basis and without any obligation.

Benefits of Membership

In an effort to preserve your legacy for the purpose it is intended, we have chosen a few simple ways to recognize your commitment. Each new member will receive a special letter of thanks from the president of both West Virginia University and the WVU Foundation and a matted watercolor print of Stewart Hall that we hope you will treasure for years to come. Also, you will receive an invitation to the annual Stewart Society luncheon held on campus.

In addition to these small expressions of gratitude, we hope you will allow us to recognize you as a member of the Stewart Society in the WVU Alumni Magazine, the Foundation's newsletter, our planned giving newsletter, on our Donor Honor Wall and in other appropriate places. Your inclusion in these listings encourages others to join in this important effort. Lastly, as a member of the Stewart Society, you will receive timely information, tips, and ongoing professional gift planning services from the Office of Planned Giving.

West Virginia University Foundation
One Waterfront Place, 7th Floor
Morgantown, WV 26501
(304) 284-4000