business achievements in areas such as profitability , overhead management , cash flow , productivity , business development , staff growth and turnover in the architecture and engineering industry . The Circle of Excellence represents the top 20 % of firms across the nation .
For the second year in a row , PSMJ also announced McKinley Architecture and Engineering is a top 10 winner of the 2024 A / E / C Employer of Choice Award , the industry ’ s premier recognition of firms that have mastered workforce retention and productivity by achieving the highest level of employee engagement .
“ One of the best ways to help your customers is to maintain a healthy and happy workforce ,” says Sean Doyle , chief operating officer .
In addition , for the second year in a row , McKinley Architecture and Engineering was ranked in the Giants 400 list by Building Design + Construction as one of the top 100 Architecture and Engineering firms of 2024 .
To round out awards , Inc . magazine recently revealed that McKinley Architecture and Engineering is on its annual Inc . 5000 list for the fifth year in a row , the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America .
“ To add employees and increase geographical area is a reflection of our desire to maintain successful project management and enhance client relations ,” says Ernest Dellatorre , director of business development .
West Virginia Awards Grants to Colleges and Universities to Support First- Generation Student Success
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants to public colleges and universities across the state . These grants , which can provide funding up to $ 5,000 , support initiatives aimed at recruiting , retaining and fostering the success of first-generation college students .
First-generation students — the first in their families to pursue higher education — face unique challenges in completing their degrees . According to FirstGen Forward , those who complete their college education are more likely to secure employment , earn higher wages and become more civically engaged than their peers who do not . By making higher education more accessible and supporting the completion of their postsecondary goals , these grants aim to help students and the state reach a stronger future .
“ Our goal is to ensure that West Virginia ’ s first-generation college students not only have access to public higher education but also receive the support they need to succeed ,” says Dr . Sarah Armstrong Tucker , West Virginia ’ s chancellor of higher education . “ These grants will help our institutions develop meaningful strategies to help students thrive throughout their academic journeys .”
Davis & Elkins College Achieves Fundraising Record
Davis & Elkins College is proud to announce fundraising for the most recent fiscal year set a school record . With the momentum of its ambitious capital campaign for new
student housing , the college raised $ 18,529,396 between July 1 , 2023 , and June 30 , 2024 , surpassing the previous record of $ 16,784,848 set just one year earlier .
This unprecedented achievement highlights the remarkable generosity of the college ’ s supporters , with a significant surge in contributions to the Creating Home … It Takes a Village Campaign . While estate gifts played a crucial role , it was the enthusiastic support of many alumni and friends that truly drove the record-breaking results for this $ 25 million multi-year initiative dedicated to building the Freshman Village at Davis & Elkins College .
At the heart of this transformative campaign is the $ 18 million Glory Residence Hall , a 31,823-square-foot , state-ofthe-art facility designed with pod-style living arrangements , modern amenities and stunning views of the campus and majestic West Virginia mountains . Glory Residence Hall will be complemented by the renovation of two additional residence halls , Gribble and Roxanna Booth , finalizing the Freshman Village at Davis & Elkins College . College officials announced Glory Residence Hall will open debt-free , reflecting the campaign ’ s success in reaching 90 % of its $ 25 million goal .
Davis & Elkins College President Chris Wood emphasizes the significance of this achievement .
“ We are quite literally building for the future . The extraordinary generosity of our alumni and friends not only affirms our mission but also invests in the lives of our students , both current and future ,” he says . “ It is remarkable for a small , private college nestled in the mountains of Randolph County to attract over $ 18 million in support invested in the lives of our outstanding students who will be tomorrow ’ s leaders . On behalf of our students , I extend my deepest thanks to each donor for their life-changing contributions .”
Scott Goddard , vice president for institutional advancement , also expresses his gratitude .
“ The phenomenal support we ’ ve garnered is a powerful testament to the deep impact that our alumni and friends have on the future of Davis & Elkins College . This record is a celebration of their commitment and a reflection of the compelling vision behind the Creating Home campaign . We are profoundly grateful for their dedication , which will ensure our new facilities will inspire and support generations of students to come .” •
Glory Residence Hall at David & Elkins College .
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