WVU Celebrates Visionary Philanthropists: Shaw Family and Hope Gas Honored with 2025 Outstanding Philanthropy Awards

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Foundation has announced the distinguished recipients of its 2025 Outstanding Philanthropy Awards, recognizing David and Jo Ann Shaw and Hope Gas for their profound and transformative contributions to the University. This esteemed recognition celebrates individuals and corporations whose extraordinary generosity, leadership, and commitment significantly advance WVU’s mission across education, health care, and athletics, with these WVU Philanthropy Awards highlighting exceptional giving.

A Legacy of Generosity: David and Jo Ann Shaw – WVU Philanthropy Awards Honorees

David and Dr. Jo Ann Shaw, esteemed alumni of West Virginia University, have been honored as the Milan Puskar Outstanding Philanthropists for 2025. Their remarkable philanthropic journey with WVU spans over four decades, marked by 188 individual gifts totaling more than $9.5 million. This sustained and impactful giving has touched multiple vital areas of the University, including the WVU School of Medicine, WVU Athletics, and WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, solidifying their place among recipients of the WVU Philanthropy Awards.

A cornerstone of their philanthropy is the David and Jo Ann Shaw Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS). This state-of-the-art facility, which has benefited from over $5 million in donations from the Shaws, is instrumental in training future healthcare professionals through advanced simulation technology, virtual reality, and inter-professional learning experiences. The STEPS Center has been crucial in enhancing patient safety and advancing medical education within the Health Sciences community. The couple’s commitment to nurturing future medical talent is further exemplified by the Jo Ann Goldbaugh Shaw, MD Medical Scholarship, established to support medical students from West Virginia, ensuring they can pursue their careers with reduced financial burden. Their dedication to student well-being extends to WVU Athletics through the Shaw Student-Athlete Enrichment Fund for Nutrition and Mental Health Services, providing critical resources to support the holistic development of student-athletes. The Shaw family philanthropy exemplifies the spirit of giving recognized by the WVU Philanthropy Awards.

David Shaw, a graduate of the WVU School of Pharmacy, and Jo Ann Shaw, a proud alumna of the WVU School of Medicine, have built a lasting legacy at their alma mater. Their deep connection to WVU was further acknowledged when they were honored as the 2023 Outstanding Alumni by the WVU Alumni Association, underscoring their enduring impact and commitment to the institution’s growth and success.

Hope Gas: A Corporate Partner for Progress and WVU Philanthropy

Recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation for 2025, Hope Gas stands as a testament to corporate commitment to community and institutional advancement. This long-standing West Virginia company has forged a significant partnership with WVU, demonstrating a shared vision for the state’s future and the development of its flagship university. The Hope Gas WVU partnership is a shining example of corporate support for higher education.

In a landmark move, Hope Gas has entered into a 10-year partnership that includes naming rights for the iconic WVU Coliseum, now known as Hope Coliseum. This collaboration marks the first name change in the arena’s 55-year history and signifies a substantial investment in WVU Athletics, providing vital new revenue streams to maintain the department’s competitive edge on the national stage. The partnership also encompasses sponsorships and future donations, further solidifying the Coliseum’s role as a premier venue for athletic events, university functions, and concerts, a significant aspect of the WVU Philanthropy Awards narrative.

Beyond athletics, Hope Gas’s commitment extends to educational initiatives. The company has provided a multi-year commitment to the Media Innovation Center’s Public Interest Communication Research Lab at the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. This partnership offers valuable experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, aligning with Hope Gas’s dedication to fostering innovation and developing talent within West Virginia.

With a history spanning over 127 years in the state, Hope Gas employs over 650 individuals across West Virginia and monitors nearly 7,000 miles of natural gas pipeline. Their extensive operations and deep roots in the Mountain State underscore their commitment to economic development, job creation, and serving the energy needs of communities.

The Significance of Outstanding Philanthropy at WVU

The WVU Foundation, established in 1954, plays a pivotal role in nurturing and administering private philanthropy for the University. The Outstanding Philanthropy Awards, first presented in 2005, serve as a crucial platform to acknowledge and celebrate the generosity that fuels WVU’s advancements. In fiscal year 2025, WVU supporters demonstrated exceptional commitment, contributing $260.7 million, the third highest total in the University’s history. This consistent and robust support is vital for providing students with unparalleled educational opportunities, empowering faculty and researchers, and ensuring the delivery of world-class health care, all of which are amplified by the WVU Philanthropy Awards.

The recent news of these awards highlights a continuing trend of significant philanthropic investment in West Virginia University. The contributions of individuals like David and Jo Ann Shaw and corporations like Hope Gas are not merely financial; they represent a deep belief in WVU’s potential to shape the future of West Virginia and beyond. Their visionary support provides the essential resources needed to innovate, expand, and excel across all facets of the University’s endeavors, reinforcing its position as a leader in higher education and a catalyst for positive change in the region. The WVU outstanding philanthropy demonstrated by these recipients is truly inspiring.

This year’s honorees exemplify the profound impact that dedicated philanthropy can have, driving forward the University’s commitment to excellence and solidifying its role in creating a brighter future for all West Virginians, showcasing the lasting impact of the WVU Philanthropy Awards.