Marmaduke Dent Benefit

Join us for the 26th Annual Marmaduke Dent Benefit

Let country roads take you home to the 26th Annual Marmaduke Dent Benefit while enjoying delicious food, local wine and craft beer, live music and special auction items as we raise money to support programs for students and alumni of West Virginia University.

You don't have to be a WVU alum to join us for a great time! Our 26th annual Marmaduke Dent Benefit is on September 9, at 6 p.m. at the beautiful Erickson Alumni Center. The WVU vs. Kansas game is the following day, so spend your Friday night with us as we celebrate our university, state and its winding country roads.

EVENT TICKETS

Ticket sales have closed for the 26th Annual Marmaduke Dent Benefit - Country Roads. We look forward to seeing you at the event!

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

The WVU Alumni Association and Erickson Alumni Center abide by West Virginia University, local, state, and federal guidelines related to COVID-19. After the purchase of your ticket(s), the WVU Alumni Association holds the right to require masks for all Marmaduke H. Dent Benefit attendees or postpone the event based on any changes in guidance. If postponed, ticket holders may request a refund prior to the rescheduled date. Please contact the WVU Alumni Association at alumni@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-4731 with questions.

What is the Marmaduke Dent Benefit?

A longstanding tradition of the WVU Alumni Association, the Marmaduke Dent Benefit brings alumni and friends together each year for a special cause. While the event has had many unique themes and exciting features over the years, one thing has always remained the same – Mountaineers can expect an evening of camaraderie, music, delicious food, and philanthropy. Named after WVU’s first-ever graduate, Marmaduke Dent, this benefit is the organization’s largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds support alumni programming and student scholarships for the nonprofit WVU Alumni Association.

Sponsorship Information

To become an official sponsor of the 2022 Marmaduke Dent Benefit, or to purchase an entire table for your company, please contact David Allaway, DAllaway@wvuf.org.

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.