WVU alumnus gives $1 million to help graduates with debt

West Virginia University said alumnus Jim Blankenship is giving $1 million to help lessen debt for WVU graduates.

Published 10/11/2026By Morgantown Local StaffUpdated 10/11/2026

Editorial illustration: WVU alumnus gives $1 million to help graduates with debt

TL;DR

West Virginia University announced Oct.
8 that alumnus and retired federal employee Jeffery James “Jim” Blankenship is giving $1 million to help lessen debt for WVU graduates, according t...
The gift will support his alma mater and future WVU students, the announcement said.

West Virginia University announced Oct. 8 that alumnus and retired federal employee Jeffery James “Jim” Blankenship is giving $1 million to help lessen debt for WVU graduates, according to WVU Today. The gift will support his alma mater and future WVU students, the announcement said.

Blankenship graduated from WVU in 1982, according to the announcement. WVU Today reported that gratitude for financial help he received prompted the gift.

The announcement did not provide further details about how the gift will be distributed, which graduates may qualify, or when support will be available, according to WVU Today.

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