West Virginia State University News February 2, 2016 WVSU Event to Feature Renowned Philanthropy Expert Valaida Fullwood Feb. 18 West Virginia State University will host acclaimed writer Valaida Fullwood, author of "Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists," on Thursday, Feb. 18, in the Davis Fine Arts building. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by Fullwood's keynote presentation at 6 p.m. The author will discuss "The Giving Back Project - Reframing Portraits in Philanthropy." The event is free and open to the public. "The West Virginia State University Foundation is proud to help sponsor this exciting program, which I believe will help give all who attend a deeper understanding of philanthropy," said Patricia Schumann, vice president for University advancement for WVSU and president of the WVSU Foundation. "It is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized expert on African American philanthropy, hear the personal stories of philanthropists right here in our own community, and be empowered to express our own philanthropic spirit, whether it be through volunteer service, gifts to organizations we believe in, or the kindness we might show to a stranger in need." "Giving Back" was recognized as one of the 10 Best Black Books of 2011, and was the winner of the prestigious Terry McAdam Book Award as the nation's most inspirational and useful new book for the nonprofit sector in 2012. During the week of Feb. 15, leading up to Fullwood's appearance, an exhibit will take place in the Della Brown Taylor Hardman Art Gallery in Davis Hall during normal business hours. "The Soul of Philanthropy Reframed and Exhibited, Pop-Up, Abridged Edition" is a multimedia exhibition displaying 20 black-and-white photographs and narratives providing insight to centuries old cultural customs and beliefs about giving and generosity in black communities. For more information, visit www.thesoulofphilanthropy.com<http://www.thesoulofphilanthropy.com>. "The Soul of Philanthropy" exhibit is free and open to the public. "Our goal is to really reimagine what philanthropy is," said Timothy Gibson, a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. "Giving really is about time, talent and treasure. Some people can give best through volunteering their time -- that is really what philanthropy is." Sponsors for Fullwood's appearance and the "Soul of Philanthropy" exhibit are African American Philanthropy in Action, the WVSU Foundation, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs and Merrill Lynch. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Bridget Bavetz at (304) 347-2523 or SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-592-4820 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.