WVU Libraries

The WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will again team up with the WVU Libraries this fall on the Mountaineer Touchdown Challenge, a fundraising campaign to benefit the Libraries.

Last year, Athletics and the Libraries partnered to launch the initiative in which participants pledged a dollar figure per touchdown the Mountaineers scored during the 2011 season and subsequent Orange Bowl. The 63 touchdowns resulted in numerous donations for the Libraries.

“I’m pleased that our alumni and fans made the initial Touchdown Challenge a success,” Athletic Director Oliver Luck said. “As anticipation over our first season in the Big 12 continues to build, I want to encourage Mountaineers everywhere to express their enthusiasm by stepping up to support the Libraries through the Touchdown Challenge.”

The inaugural campaign coincided with Dana Holgorsen first year as Mountaineer head coach. Holgorsen finds it gratifying that his players’ hard work on the field benefited the Libraries. He believes the partnership sends a good message about the importance of academics.

“We all need to remember that those young men executing plays on the field are student-athletes,” Holgorsen said. “Just like every student here, our guys have to focus on their classes, study, and earn good grades. Students with busy schedules know the WVU Libraries can help them excel in their academic pursuits.”

It was an especially exciting season for Myra N. Lowe, Interim Dean of Libraries. A longtime Mountaineer fan, she felt a personal investment each time a player entered the end zone. She is appreciative of the collaboration and the recognition the Libraries are receiving.

“Oliver Luck understands the importance of a great library and helpful library employees,” Lowe said. “He was a record-breaking quarterback, earned first-team Academic All-American honors, led us to a win in the Peach Bowl, and graduated magna cum laude.”

The Libraries will use the funds raised through the first Challenge to add digital cameras, editing software, and other equipment to transform a study room in the Downtown Campus Library into a space where students can practice presentations. The decision was based on student comments.

The Libraries will use student feedback determine where to direct funds raised from the upcoming Touchdown Challenge.

If you’re up for the Challenge, visit www.mountaineerconnection.com/touchdownchallenge. For more information, contact Monte Maxwell, Libraries development representative: 304-293-0306.