substantial funding for the construction of Glory Residence Hall and includes the naming rights .
Ramsdell ’ s father founded Dunbar Armored , known for its iconic red , black and white trucks . Following Dunbar ’ s death , Ramsdell decided to donate a portion of her inheritance from her father ’ s estate to D & E , providing the college with needed financial support for the Creating Home : It Takes a Village Campaign to construct D & E ’ s Freshmen Village .
As Ramsdell was contemplating the name for the new residence hall , she consulted her daughters , Alison and Kate , as she considered naming the residence hall after her father . They advised that since he did not have any direct ties to D & E , she should choose a name that was close to her heart . Ramsdell thought about the many ways her experience at D & E impacted her life . She prayed about the name , thought of what had brought meaning and purpose to her life and considered her passions .
“ During my years at Davis & Elkins College , I sought Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior ,” she recalls . “ God came through for me , in spirit and in truth . Glory means He shows you who He is — His glory , His miracle .”
As students make this new residence hall their home , Ramsdell wants Glory Residence Hall to serve as a blessing to all who will live within its walls . Ramsdell ’ s gift is a testament to her faith and her steadfast belief in D & E ’ s promising future .
“ Kathy has chosen to give back to her alma mater in generous fashion because her transformative years on campus included her mind , heart and spirit ,” says D & E President Chris Wood . “ As a student on this faith-based campus , Kathy ’ s faith journey led to an encounter with Jesus Christ that has charted her life course . When offered the naming rights to our new residence hall , she opted not for the family name but rather chose to glorify God and remind future residents of the divine blessings surrounding them . Glory Residence Hall reminds all that D & E is a blessed place , and Kathy ’ s gift is a blessing that will remind D & E senators for decades to come who they are and whose they are .”
D & E is gratified to announce that more than 80 % of the $ 25 million goal has been surpassed for the Creating Home : It Takes a Village Campaign . Glory Residence Hall will be completed for the fall semester 2024 and renovations to Booth and Gribble Halls will begin shortly thereafter .
Funding For Undergraduate Research Experiences Awarded to Colleges and Universities Statewide
Eight West Virginia institutions received a total of $ 339,880 in state funding to support undergraduate research on their campuses for the next three years .
The Science , Technology & Research ( STaR ) division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission awarded Summer Undergraduate Research Experience ( SURE ) grants to support approximately 120 students seeking substantial , hands-on learning in science , technology , engineering and mathematics ( STEM ) research at public and private four-year colleges and universities .
Participating schools include Marshall University , Shepherd University , West Liberty University , West Virginia University , West Virginia State University and West Virginia
Wesleyan College , as well as first time awardees Fairmont State University and West Virginia University Institute of Technology .
“ Providing STEM undergraduate students with opportunities to do research , either in the summer or during the academic year , is critical to workforce development ,” says Dr . Juliana Serafin , senior director of STaR . “ We are also excited to be able to add two additional universities to the SURE program this year .”
SURE grants are supported by the Research Challenge Fund , which was established by the West Virginia Legislature in 2004 and is administered by STaR .
Mia Margherita at Charles Pointe Celebrates 10 Years of Operation
The team at Mia Margherita Coal Fired Pizzeria celebrated its 10-year anniversary in December 2023 .
Located at Charles Pointe in Bridgeport , Mia Margherita Coal Fired Pizzeria opened its doors on December 5 , 2013 , as West Virginia ’ s first and only coal-fired pizzeria . The restaurant ’ s theme takes on the Italian Appalachian heritage prominently displayed in North Central West Virginia . Original founder Scott Duarte says the goal of the restaurant was to the celebrate the rich Italian history of pizza making , which originally had its start fired by coal .
While pizza is the namesake of Mia Margherita , one can find a variety of Italian pastas , salads , sandwiches and other specialty entrees that complement the restaurant ’ s theme . The restaurant has expanded over the years to include a covered outdoor patio , a private dining room and a retail market .
Hank Soutter is the general manager of Mia Margherita . He leads a team of service and culinary professionals dedicated to carrying on the original mission into the restaurant ’ s second decade of operation .
“ We want to sincerely thank all our loyal customers who continue to honor us with their business over the last 10 years . As a small , local business , it means the world to us to serve our patrons ” Soutter says . •
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