Moorefield, W.Va. – Nellie Heavener Nelson has generously donated $30,000 to Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College on the heels of her 89th birthday, which was earlier this month, on October 3. She visited the main campus with her brother, Estil Heavener, to talk with Jennifer Rexroad, advancement specialist, and Dr. Megan Webb, dean of advancement and innovation, who secured the donation. “It is significant contributions such as this that help change and transform lives for students and their families seeking to improve their life circumstances through higher education,” said Dr. Tom Striplin, president of Eastern.
Of the full amount, $25,000 will go towards a new nursing scholarship fund and renaming the Eastern Nursing Lab. A name plaque will be installed above the Nursing department to name it the Albert & Nellie Heavener Nelson Nursing Lab. The naming of the room and scholarship incorporates Nellie’s late husband, Albert Nelson. The Albert & Nellie Heavener Nelson scholarship fund will award $1,000 to five nursing students. Mrs. Heavener Nelson’s brother, Estil Heavener, will present the award to the students in the future. The other $5,000 will go towards student scholarships and be recognized as a Platinum Sponsor on the Foundation’s new donor wall. Monica Wilson, interim vice president of academic and student services said, “Mrs. Nellie Heavener Nelson’s generous donations, past and present, to the college is a testament to the impact that dedicated individuals can have on our institution, our students, and the communities we serve.”
Naming rights for rooms at Eastern and the donor wall are two of many initiatives that the Eastern Foundation has to build support for the college. The goal is to acknowledge and recognize donors in the Potomac Highlands region who support Eastern. The Foundation hopes it also brings in the interest of potential donors who support providing innovative higher education to the community. In addition, there will be a $1 to $1 match through a Department of Education Award known as the Title III Award. “It was a pleasure to meet with Mrs. Nellie Heavener Nelson in person and learn about her vision for the success of the Eastern nursing program and establish a permanent scholarship in honor of her and her late husband Albert Nelson”, said Rexroad, “We were honored to also host Mr. Estil Heavener, Mrs. Heavener Nelson’s brother, during their visit to the campus.” The Eastern Foundation welcomes you to contact Jennifer Rexroad, advancement specialist, by emailing Jennifer.Rexroad@easternwv.edu or calling 304-434-8000 ext. 9258. To learn more about ways to give and support this unique giving opportunity, the matching campaign, donor recognition levels, and naming opportunities on campus, visit https://easternwv.edu/foundation/giving/.
About The Eastern Foundation
Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that works with the college to raise funds for scholarships and advancement. Foundation activities include campaigns such as Giving Tuesday, online fundraising, and the foundation’s annual Farm to Table event. To learn more about the Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Foundation, visit easternwv.edu/foundation.