A scholarship at WVU Law, endowed by The BrickStreet Foundation and honoring Charleston attorney Thomas V. Flaherty, was announced October 27 at the University’s Board of Governors meeting.
The $100,000 gift was announced by W. Marston Becker, a member of both the BrickStreet and WVU boards. Flaherty, also a member of both boards, is immediate past chair of the BrickStreet board and immediate past president of the WVU board.
“The gift is modest recognition of all that Tom has contributed to both boards,” said Becker, a 1977 WVU Law graduate.
“This gift announced today is a way to honor a great West Virginian who has given so much of his time and effort to make a significant difference both at BrickStreet and WVU,” said Greg Burton, BrickStreet executive chairman. “It has been an honor and privilege to work side-by-side over the past 10 years with such an outstanding leader.”
Flaherty, who graduated from WVU Law in 1974, said was “deeply moved and speechless.”
“To think that this scholarship in my name can change others’ lives is extremely gratifying to me. I can think of no greater honor for me and my family,” he said.
The gift is in conjunction with the WVU Foundation’s upcoming Day of Giving, a 24-hour online fundraising campaign undertaken as a simple way for University supporters to contribute to the Foundation’s “State of Minds” Campaign.
"We are so appreciative of the BrickStreet Foundation and its commitment to honor Tom Flaherty,” said B.J. Davisson, Foundation senior vice president of development. “He has been a great volunteer in so many ways for the University.
“BrickStreet has been an engaged partner with the University and we appreciate this generous gift through the BrickStreet Foundation as a challenge to other constituents of the University to support student scholarships on the Day of Giving."
Becker also announced he and his wife, Kathy, were making a challenge gift to the Day of Giving campaign and encouraged other Board members, as well as the boards of the WVU Foundation and the WVU Alumni Association to also sponsor challenge gifts.
“The unrestricted giving, which is what that day is all about, is critical for the University and its mission” he said. Board Chairman William D. Wilmoth echoed Becker’s challenge.
"Marty and Kathy Becker have been long-time volunteers and donors to our University and the WVU Foundation,” Davisson said. “Their gift, which will match unrestricted support across our campus, will help us leverage gifts from so many of our alumni and friends on the Day of Giving. Unrestricted gifts are so important to the growth and vitality of WVU as they allow our leadership to react to emerging challenges and opportunities."
All contributions made on the WVU Day of Giving count in the “State of Minds” Campaign. To date, $1.153 billion has been raised with the campaign ending Dec. 31.
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