Shenandoah University Receives Historic $20M Gift from Alumnus
Milestone gift made in anticipation of Shenandoah’s sesquicentennial and is the naming gift for a performing and visual arts center
We’re delighted to share that Shenandoah University has received the single largest gift in its almost-150-year history! This $20 million gift, from Wilbur Dove ’59, and his wife, Clare, is earmarked for a new performing and visual arts center currently being studied by the university.
There are few events that truly transform an institution, and receiving a gift of this magnitude is one of them. It is especially meaningful because of the Doves’ long-time connection to Shenandoah. Clare and Wilbur Dove are the epitome of two people who appreciate the value of hard work and a good education, and they want to set an example of transformational giving for others in the Shenandoah University community to follow. We are overwhelmed by their generosity and are so grateful for the trust they are placing in Shenandoah and our vision for a future performing and visual arts center.”
University President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.
We plan to share additional details as they’re finalized about the performing and visual arts center, which will further strengthen the university’s steadfast commitment to the arts, provide exciting new resources and opportunities to students and faculty, and cement SU’s status as a cultural hub in the region.
Wilbur Dove (pictured above with Dr. Fitzsimmons, his wife Clare, and SU Board of Trustees Chair James Imoh) received his junior college degree in 1959 from what was then Shenandoah College and Conservatory in Dayton, Virginia – he was a member of the last class to study in Dayton before the school moved to Winchester. In 1991, the college and conservatory became Shenandoah University. When Dove celebrated his 65th college reunion at Shenandoah’s annual celebration of its Dayton alumni this year, he and his wife told Dr. Fitzsimmons that they wanted to do something to honor Shenandoah’s sesquicentennial and to show their confidence in a future building project.
Shenandoah University provided me with a foundation that I’ve carried through my life – a foundation that I truly value. It is my honor to give back to the institution that has given so much to me, my family, and the countless others who are fortunate enough to be associated with this university. I believe in Shenandoah’s mission, and I believe in its future as a model of excellence in higher education. This performing and visual arts building will transform the university, and will allow Shenandoah and its conservatory to continue to provide the very best educational experience and opportunities to its students. It is my hope that others who cherish their relationship with Shenandoah as much as I do are encouraged to do what they can to ensure the continued success of this great university.”
Shenandoah Alumnus & Benefactor Wilbur Dove ’59
We have the greatest gratitude to the Doves for their generosity, which also has allowed for the construction of the Dove’s Nest and Dove’s Nest II – two of five apartment-style residence halls that make up The Village Apartments on Shenandoah’s Winchester campus. Additionally, the Doves created an endowed scholarship in the name of Wilbur’s roommate and lifelong friend, the Rev. Bruce Gearhart.
Our 150th year begins in January 2025. Sesquicentennial celebrations will last 18 months, and are anticipated to include the announcement of several special initiatives to honor Shenandoah’s past achievements and recognize its position as an innovative leader in higher education.
Please join us in thanking the Doves for their enduring commitment to Shenandoah. And, be sure to keep an eye out for our 150th celebrations, which will reflect how, since its founding in 1875, Shenandoah has always met challenges with creativity, been willing to try new ideas, and built a community that has made, and continues to make, a difference around the world. We are truly a big little university rising.
