Story by Laney Eichelberger, Storyteller
The eighth annual Day of Giving inspired alumni of West Virginia University to contribute to dozens of University initiatives, far surpassing records from previous years. Among the loyal Mountaineers dedicated to supporting the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources were Diane and David Sherrard, a 1994 alumna of the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and a 1993 alumnus of the Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, respectively. Their generous donation will bolster the Statler College’s initiatives tailored for K-12 teachers to deepen their knowledge and gain experience in engineering fields.
“I went to a small rural high school. While there was no one educator that inspired me, I had a number of faculty that allowed me, in small ways across many disciplines, to develop my desire for aerospace engineering,” David explained. “A chemistry/physics teacher that let us perform lab experiments at lunchtime, reading science fiction novels for book reports in language arts, writing a research paper on the evolution and testing of experimental aircraft in history, introduction to solid geometry and calculus in mathematics — all of these helped me along the path toward engineering at WVU.”
At the Teachers Engagement Boot Camps held during the summer, K-12 teachers in West Virginia immerse themselves in the world of engineering through interactive workshops, tours and networking, gaining valuable insights and resources to bring back to their classrooms and inspire their students. Educational, hands-on activities integrated into science, engineering and math help promote STEM awareness and increase science and engineering literacy.
“Kids are blank canvases and sponges for knowledge. Whatever good things we pour into them will come back to the world,” said Diane. “I spend time inside and outside of work teaching young people — STEM, community service, reading. I hope this gift will enable these dedicated K-12 teachers to gain new ideas and skills that they can pour into West Virginia youth.”
The Statler College has organized and supported these boot camps for the last two years to foster a culture of exploration, learning and innovating in engineering and STEM education. These intensive, one-day training programs offer opportunities to acquire new engineering skills in a focused and efficient manner. More than technical knowledge, these boot camps build individual self-efficacy and confidence in teaching engineering concepts.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Sherrards’ commitment to advancing STEM education in our state,” said Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College. “Their generosity will allow us to continue fostering an environment where K-12 teachers can explore different engineering disciplines while getting access to specific educational resources. This gift represents not only financial support but a belief in the power of education to shape the future of generations to come.”
Gifts are made through WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.
