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.