West Virginia University students, alumni, fans and more will benefit from a proud
alumni leader’s recent gifts to his alma mater totaling $105,000.
Charleston
attorney David Hendrickson earned his bachelor’s degree in history and law
degree from WVU. His contribution includes $40,000 for the Pride Practice Facility, $30,000 for the WVU
Alumni Association
President’s Fund, $25,000 for the men’s
golf program and $10,000
for the Veterans Advocacy Clinic at the College
of Law.
Hendrickson’s
gift was provided in conjunction with the sixth Day of Giving at WVU, a 24-hour online fundraising effort to
support the University’s greatest needs. The March 22 event raised $18.1
million from 8,200 gifts made by alumni and friends.
Hendrickson
said he appreciates the donors who enhanced his WVU experience by contributing
to scholarships, professorships and job opportunities.
“For me to be
able to give back is an honor and a privilege,” Hendrickson said. “I think
every alum should do it. It doesn’t have to be a big gift. It could be $5 or
$10. And you can give back in other ways — teach a class, come back and tell
people about your experience or encourage students you know to go to WVU
because it is a great value for the education you get.”
Hendrickson
received an Army ROTC scholarship to attend WVU, where he served as student
body president from 1978-79. Inspired by Perry Mason as a child, Hendrickson went
to law school to become a litigator and eventually launched his own legal practice,
Hendrickson & Long PLLC, with partner R. Scott Long.
As a Milan Puskar Stadium boxholder for 30 years, Hendrickson enjoys
cheering on the “Pride of West Virginia” at WVU football games. He said he’s
always been impressed by Mountaineer Marching Band performances, and he is
eager to see what the band can achieve with a dedicated rehearsal space.
“There is
hardly a better ambassador than the ‘Pride of West Virginia’ for both West
Virginia University and the state of West Virginia,” Keith Jackson, dean of the College
of Creative Arts, said.
“Dave’s investment in the marching band speaks volumes about his pride of place
and his love for his alma mater. We are so grateful for Dave’s support of the
Pride Practice Field and Facility project. Thanks to support like this from
alumni, there is a bright future ahead for the marching band.”
Hendrickson has
been actively involved with the WVU Alumni Association for decades. He launched
a chapter in Hilton Head, South Carolina, while he briefly lived there in the
1980s. He has served as national president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and as president of his local chapter. He
was honored as Outstanding Alumnus during Homecoming festivities in 2004.
“Dave’s deep
connection with WVU began as an undergraduate and has carried on throughout his
life as a loyal alum,” said Kevin Berry, CEO of the WVU Alumni Association. “He
is a passionate Mountaineer who cares deeply about and has invested in the
enhancement of our alma mater. His generosity, over many years, as a
volunteer and donor has had a transformational effect on the University
community.”
Hendrickson’s
gift to the men’s golf program will help cover operating costs. The team continues
its season Monday, April 17, hosting the two-day Mountaineer Invitational at
Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport, West Virginia.
“The support
and passion that Dave Hendrickson has shown for Athletics is nothing short of
amazing,” said Steve Uryasz, deputy athletics director and sport administrator for
men’s golf. “His gift to our golf program will help Coach Sean
Covich and our student-athletes compete at the highest level. Since the
reinstatement of the men’s golf program in 2014, donors such as Dave
Hendrickson have provided the support necessary to compete for championships,
and we are proud of our student-athletes on and off the golf
course.”
The Veterans
Advocacy Clinic helps military veterans across the state deal with legal issues
while simultaneously offering valuable real-world experiential learning
opportunities for College of Law students. Hendrickson served in the U.S. Army
from 1982-86, and he has provided legal assistance to veterans through his own
firm.
“With so many
veterans in West Virginia who need assistance, it is critical that the College
of Law’s Veterans Advocacy Clinic offer representation and outreach statewide,”
Amelia Smith Rinehart, William J. Maier, Jr. Dean of the
College of Law, said. “Mr. Hendrickson’s generosity enables our clinic to
continue to serve those West Virginians who have served our country, and to
invest in educating a new generation of attorneys with experience and expertise
in veterans’ legal needs.”
Hendrickson
supported higher education throughout the state as former chairman of the West
Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. He previously taught a history
course at WVU, where he has also contributed to the Mountaineer
Athletic Club, Eberly
College of Arts and Sciences,
and other units across campus. He has been recognized for his generosity with
membership in the Jerry West, Irvin Stewart and Woodburn Circle societies.
Hendrickson’s
gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that
receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
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cr/04/13/23
MEDIA
CONTACT: Cassie Rice
Senior Communications Specialist
WVU Foundation
304-554-0217; crice@wvuf.org
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