WVU continues to leave a lasting impact on individuals, which typically prompts an investment back into the institution and state that has provided them with so much.
Pam Shriver is the public relations specialist for the Rosenbaum Family House and has been in the position for five years. But before embarking on a professional journey with WVU, Shriver distinctly recalls her strong connection to the Mountaineer community long before that.
“WVU has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Shriver said. “My father was a WVU graduate and worked for the Extension Service his entire career. During that time I spent many hours visiting the campus, attending sports events and being involved in 4-H Camps around the state.”
Because the state and University have played such a large role in Shriver’s life, she feels as though she has an obligation to invest in something that has invested so much in not only her, but her family as well.
“I donate to the Rosenbaum Family House not only because I work here but before that, it was because my Mom was able to stay here during my Dad’s illness in 2011,” Shriver stated. “It was just overnight in the dayroom, but her being able to get some rest, take a hot shower and relax while still being close to my Dad was invaluable.”
While the Family House played a major part in Shriver’s life in relation to her father, the connection and obligation to invest is also apparent with the WVU Extension Service.
“I also support the Howard Shriver Professional Development Endowment through the Extension Service,” Shriver mentioned. “This fund was created when my Dad retired from the Extension Service and was endowed upon his death. The idea that current employees are continued to be supported in developing their professional skills is something that meant a lot to my Dad and it means so much to keep his legacy alive through this fund.”
Shriver previously spent time traveling across the country to assist fundraising efforts and continues to donate to programs that are personal and important to her. Although Shriver did not finish her undergraduate degree at WVU, she began her college experience in Morgantown majoring in political science, and recently completed the Integrated Marketing Communications master’s program with the Reed College of Media at WVU.
This volunteer feature was written in relation to and support of Gold Blue and You, West Virginia University’s campus-wide, faculty and staff campaign. To invest in a school or program and support West Virginia University, please visit goldblueandyou.com for more information.
Gifts made to the Gold Blue and You campaign are made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University, which runs through December 2017.