Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
academic Enrichment Centennial Endowment
“I want the College to provide more internship, teaching, undergraduate research, and study abroad opportunities for students. By 2020, every student majoring in Eberly should have at least one of those experiences as an undergraduate. You can help us make that Strategic Plan goal a reality with your gift.” —Dean Robert Jones
MODEL UN, NEW YORK, NY
The Academic Enrichment Centennial Endowment provides undergraduate students enrolled in the
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences opportunities to participate in activities that complement,
extend, and enhance their academic experiences
at West Virginia University. The program supports research projects, conference attendance,
internships, study abroad and public service work. Since the inception of the Undergraduate
Academic Enrichment Program in 1995, thousands of students have benefited by being able to seize
opportunities that might not otherwise have been
realized. Most students agree that their enrichment experiences would not have been possible without the financial assistance the College offers through this unique program. In 2011, 350 awards totaling $70,000 were given to students who recognized
the competitive edge gained from participating in these crucial learning activities.
Abra Stitler Major: English
Hometown: Bramwell, West Virginia Studied African literature at the University of Botswana
“My favorite experience in Africa was teaching at a school and working on an organic farm for two months in Tanzania. I had to learn Swahili. I was concurrently teaching English, at a school, to a group of boys ages 15 to 25. I saw an improvement in my students’ reading and writing abilities and worked to produce food naturally for the community. While enrolled at the University, I was involved with the Women’s Rugby team and tutored kids in English and basic math in small villages around the capitol city of Gaborone. I was a member of the University’s wildlife conservation group, and did conservation work at several game reserves around Botswana. After completing my degree in English, I hope to join the Peace Corps to teach English as a second language.”
“I realized my potential to make a difference in the world.” www.eberly.wvu.edu/ENGLISH
Anand “Sunny” Narayanan Major: Biology and Mechanical Engineering Hometown: Morgantown, West Virginia
Attended Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students “I have always had an interest in research in bioengineering/biomedical sciences. This project was of particular interest due to the many disciplines involved: biology, chemistry and engineering. It was excellent experience in terms of applying knowledge I’ve gained throughout my undergraduate classes to my research. My research, through the McNair Scholars Program, involves the design and synthesis of targeted cancer therapeutic nanoparticles. We are talking about particles much, much smaller than even a single human cell. The minute nature of these particles causes very interesting, new properties to emerge. My project specifically involves coating nanoparticles with DNA which targets cancerous cells. Later, they can also be coated with a material that provides a suitable environment to load drugs on the nanoparticle, but my primary objective was to make these nanoparticles target cancerous cells. This kind of therapy could be used to treat or cure cancer in the future.”
“Attending this conference to present my research would not have been possible without support from the Undergraduate Enrichment Program.� www.eberly.wvu.edu/BIOLOGY
Benjamin Seebaugh Major: Political Science and International Studies Hometown: Parkersburg, West Virginia
Interned with the US Mission to the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency
“I’ve learned things in my internship that I would have never learned in a classroom. You can read books all day, but you’ll never really get as firm of a grasp as quickly unless you experience it firsthand. I’m seeing international politics and negotiations taking place. I’m seeing things the day before they’re in the news. I’m helping to mold how the federal government acts in certain situations. This is the kind of hands-on work that I want to do for the rest of my life, and this internship has only solidified that belief. WVU has given me a boost by providing the Enrichment funds. All of my intern colleagues attend very expensive, private universities. I was the only public school student. Their schools may be smaller and more expensive, but I can attest that they are not as connected to their university, or are they as proud to be a member of their university as I am.”
“I know that at the end of the day I’m in the right school. I want to give a big, big thank you to the donors who make these funds possible.”
www.eberly.wvu.edu/POLITICAL SCIENCE
The 2020 Eberly College Strategic Plan is committed to improving undergraduate education. We are: Locally focused on healthier individuals and
communities, better education, and improved economic opportunity.
Nationally prominent through academic
programs of tomorrow and scholarship of high caliber and impact.
Globally engaged to increase opportunity and create a positive future for humanity.
Become a partner in the growth of the 21st century land grant institution today.
Make your gift online: eberly.wvu.edu/alumni If you prefer you can mail your check, with
Undergraduate Academic Enrichment written in the note line, to
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences PO Box 6268
Morgantown, WV 26506-6268.
If you have questions or would like to discuss other
ways to support the Eberly College and its programs
and students, Contact Bonnie McBee Fisher, director of development, at bonnie.fisher@mail.wvu.edu.
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