Elkins – Davis & Elkins College is gaining momentum on the “Creating Home: It Takes a Village” capital campaign with a $3.4 million gift from an anonymous donor. Groundbreaking for the $25 million project to create a Freshman Village is slated for this spring.

The most recent gift comes about a month after the College received $10 million toward the effort from former Trustee and long-time supporter of the College Jim McDonnell.

“This most recent generous gift, coupled with Mr. McDonnell’s philanthropy, are tangible signs of the commitment of alumni and friends of Davis & Elkins College to ensure top notch academics are complemented with excellent residential facilities to create a dynamic living and learning community,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “We are so grateful for every donor who supports our mission with their dollars.” 

The Freshman Village will encompass the hillside where Roxanna Booth Hall and Gribble Hall are located. Both residence halls will receive upgrades and a new, yet unnamed, three-and-a half-story, 100-bed suite-style residence hall will be constructed.

The anonymous donor, who has a strong passion for the College and its future, has requested the funds be used for renovations to Gribble Hall.

Constructed in 1958, Gribble Hall was completely renovated in 2011 and was upgraded in 2020. Currently it serves as a co-ed residence hall.

Gifts to the campaign are for the sole purpose of constructing the Freshman Village which will benefit students’ residential experience. A Campaign Executive/Steering Committee has been formed to propel interest and momentum.

The Freshman Village is Phase II of the Campus Master Plan approved by the D&E Board of Trustees in 2019. Phase I consisted of the $6.8 million upgrades to Myles Center for the Arts and Myles Plaza to offer space for campus and community gatherings. The project was completed in 2020.