establishment of the program , the foundation has awarded more than $ 700,000 in health career scholarships and has expanded the program to include 11 counties in North Central West Virginia and two counties in southwestern Pennsylvania .
Myles ’ Vision Realized on Davis & Elkins College Campus
While a dedication for the newly renovated Myles Center for the Arts at Davis
& Elkins ( D & E ) College is planned for this fall , the facility has already been receiving praises . The $ 6.7 million project funded by Board of Trustees Chair Emerita June Myles fulfills her vision of creating an inviting cultural center favorable for hosting a multitude of campus and community events .
“ June Myles ’ vision and generosity has made this wonderful new addition possible ,” says D & E President Chris Wood .
Myles Center for the Arts and Myles Plaza .
“ The impact upon both the campus community and the Elkins community from the elegant expansion of The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum and Myles Plaza will be significant and makes the Myles Center for the Arts the premier facility in this region of the state as D & E continues to lead the way .”
The glass enclosed Senate Commons is equipped with a state-of-the-art audiovisual system that includes five large screens , a media wall and a drop-down projector screen for presentations . A new elevator and balcony bridge make the entire building handicapped accessible at all levels . The stone and brick rotunda , which mirrors the structure at Madden Student Center , serves as the main entrance to the building .
“ It is and will be a great space for events for the campus and the community ,” Myles says . “ When I saw it , I couldn ’ t get over how big it is . I ’ m delighted .”
20 New Projects are Underway in Montgomery and Smithers
Congratulations to the communities of Montgomery and Smithers on their awards of 20 mini-grants in The West Virginia Community Development Hub ’ s Cultivate WV program . These projects will serve the diverse needs of residents of Montgomery and Smithers — providing signage , beautification projects , murals , food pantries , benches , community spaces , events , a community garden and more .
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is funding $ 40,000 in mini-grants to invest in the projects implemented by groups of at least three volunteers on the Cultivate WV Montgomery-Smithers team to make visible , measurable improvements to the communities . While completing the projects , participants will attend workshops with the hub to help make the most of their new community assets . Support for Cultivate WV is also provided by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation .
The two communities are working together to make positive change to the Upper Kanawha Valley within a unique model : the Strategic Initiatives Council , led by Mayor Anne Cavalier of Smithers and Mayor Greg Ingram of Montgomery . These projects will help strengthen the bond between the two communities , improve the quality of life of residents and attract more visitors to the area .
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