Marmaduke Dent

Sponsorship Information

Who is Marmaduke H. Dent?

Marmaduke H. Dent was born in Monongalia County in the town of Granville on April 18, 1849. West Virginia University opened in 1867, and he became the first WVU graduate in 1870 and the first president of the WVU Alumni Association.

After a lifetime of career achievements – among them a deputy clerk, a lawyer, and a judge on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals – Marmaduke H. Dent possessed true Mountaineer spirit.

In 1993, the Marmaduke Dent Society, which provides sustaining support for alumni programs and operations, was founded in honor of Mr. Dent.

The Marmaduke H. Dent Society

Founded in 1993, the Marmaduke H. Dent Society recognizes the thoughtful generosity of those loyal benefactors of the West Virginia University Alumni Association who want to continue the Association’s traditions by providing additional financial support for the future of the organization.

Named for WVU’s first graduate and first president of the Alumni Association, the Dent Society recognizes lifetime cumulative giving through membership donation levels ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. Contributions are invested in an endowment to ensure a steady stream of income, and only the earnings from the endowment are expended.

The Dent Society provides sustaining support for alumni programs and operations, including long-term support determined by the WVU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Qualifying donors to the Dent Society receive appropriate acknowledgment with a plaque inside The Erickson Alumni Center, invitations to annual Dent Society events, listing in alumni publications, recognition for all Foundation giving levels, and invitations to special athletic events.

All gifts should be made to The Dent Society, WVU Foundation (Tax Identification Number 55-6017181) for the benefit of the WVU Alumni Association.