All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVWC staff excited to announce the return of the 1890 Challenge

West Virginia Wesleyan College (My Buckhannon file photo by Brian Bergstrom)

BUCKHANNON — The West Virginia Wesleyan College Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations announces the return of the 1890 Challenge

With the exception of 2022, the 1890 Challenge has been the first big fundraising initiative of the academic year since 2013.  Marking the College’s birthday and honoring the founding year, the 1890 Challenge Day of Giving is held as close as possible to Sept. 3. 

This year, the event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 7, and to learn more about it or give, visit https://www.wvwc.edu/1890-challenge/.

During their summer retreat, the Advancement team revisited the history of the one-day 1890 Challenge campaigns of 2020 and 2021 and found that more than 590 gifts were received for a total of over $110,000. The success of the campaigns — paired with the always-crucial engagement with more than 500 loyal alumni — made the decision to relaunch the 1890 Challenge in 2023 easy.

The 1890 Challenge on Sept. 7, 2023, aims to engage even more alumni and friends of the College and celebrate the spirit of philanthropy that has kept West Virginia Wesleyan growing and thriving, even during difficult times, and offering a liberal arts education to students, while serving Appalachia and beyond for 133 years. 

In addition to a mail piece that hit alumni mailboxes this week, the day will be celebrated through social media and email engagement, where updates will be made and milestones celebrated over the course of the day. While the fundraising goals for the College are focusing on specific key areas for 2023-24, donors are encouraged to give to whatever fund or initiative they feel most passionate about.  No gift is ever too small, but keeping with the theme of the founding year, donations of $18.90, $189, $1,890, etc., are encouraged.

The team will be challenging alumni to rally graduates of their same decades in a race to reach 133 donors first.

The highlighted funds for 2023-24 are The Wesleyan Fund, which supports current student scholarships, residence hall and facility upgrades, and athletic facility improvements.  Take part in the 1890 Challenge by using the hashtag #1890Challenge on social media, sharing your reason for supporting the College, encouraging others to join you, and making your gift at wvwc.edu/give or by mail to Office of Advancement, 59 College Ave., Buckhannon, WV 26201.

Questions may be directed to Sarah Fox, Director of the Wesleyan Fund, by phone at 304-473-8540 or by email fox.s@wvwc.edu.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Really Really Free Market and Community Potluck scheduled for Sunday, July 13

A community Really Really Free Market and potluck will be held Sunday, July 13, from 1–3 pm at Walnut and Chestnut streets, featuring free goods, services, food and opportunities to connect and volunteer.

Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly attempting to run someone over in Walmart parking lot

Rayne Prince Marion Chuma was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to hit a man with his vehicle in the Buckhannon Walmart parking lot before leaving the scene.

Suspect held without bail in Brushy Fork Road robbery case

Bruno Martins Ferreira has been arrested and is being held without bail on felony robbery and conspiracy charges after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a Brushy Fork Road residence, during which $12,000 was transferred from the victim’s bank account.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: July 8, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025.

City of Buckhannon calendar: July 7-11, 2025

Buckhannon has announced a series of July public meetings, bulky item and yard waste collections, family-friendly events such as Festival Fridays, deadline reminders for firefighter applications, and performances of “Mamma Mia!” at the Colonial Arts Center.

Sherry Esenwein

Sherry Esenwein, a devoted educator, animal lover, and Buckhannon native, passed away peacefully at 71 in Annapolis, remembered for her adventurous spirit, cherished family, and lifelong dedication to teaching and her beloved dogs.

Summer Basketball League kicks off

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League began its season last week, featuring multiple games with standout performances from players such as Josh Trent, Andrew Holcomb, and Sterlin Thropp, while several matches ended in forfeits.

Post 7 falls in twin bill to Charleston

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered two losses to Charleston Post 56 on Sunday, dropping the first game 14-0 by mercy rule and falling 5-2 in the second despite a late rally.

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.