BUCKHANNON, W. Va. — On Dec. 31, 2024, Buckhannon Toyota generously donated $25,000 to help West Virginia Wesleyan College replace upstairs bleachers in the Rockefeller Physical Education Center. With more than $200,000 total needed for the project, this gift completes fundraising for the initiative.

“We are so thankful to our great friends from Buckhannon Toyota for their amazing support of our bleacher project and for their partnership for many years,” stated James Moore, President of WV Wesleyan. “They have been not only generous neighbors to WVWC but also valued friends and colleagues to our College.”

Fundraising for new bleachers started one year ago with WVWC’s Spring Day of Giving on Feb. 29, 2024. Alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends and community members contributed funds on that day to kickoff fundraising. Proceeds from last year’s Gala jointly hosted by WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital also supported the effort. When they learned of the final amount of funds needed, Toyota stepped up to finish the project for the community and the College.

“Buckhannon Toyota and the Minsker family are proud to continue supporting our local College and the community functions held there in the gymnasium,” said Kip Cottrill, General Manager of Buckhannon Toyota. “Wesleyan is an important part of our region and we are always happy to support them and their students.”

Original to the building, the current upstairs bleachers have been in place for over 50 years, and have served Wesleyan and the community well through events such as Buckhannon-Upshur High School Graduations, Strawberry Festival functions, youth sports camps, concerts and special exhibitions, and more.

West Virginia Wesleyan is grateful for all those who contributed to this worthwhile project and looks forward to installation of the new upstairs bleachers in the months to come, as well as hosting even more community-related events in the future.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.