West Virginia University Receives $5 Million Gift to Strengthen Arts and Sciences Leadership
– West Virginia University (WVU) has received a $5 million gift from Linda and Don Brodie, establishing the Linda and Don Brodie Deanship within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The donation, made through the couple’s family foundation, aims to bolster leadership and expand support for WVU’s largest academic unit, which serves over 5,000 students across more than 60 programs.
The Brodies’ gift comes at a pivotal moment for the Eberly College, as longtime Dean Gregory Dunaway prepares to conclude his decade-long tenure on . While Dean Dunaway will transition back to a faculty role, a national search led by Greenwood Asher & Associates is underway to identify his successor.
“From literature and the humanities to mathematics, natural sciences and social and behavioral sciences, the reach of the WVU Eberly College is wide,” said WVU President Michael T. Benson. “This gift is an investment in the future of the University’s largest College, which serves as a launch point for students of all interests and majors, and we thank Linda and Don Brodie for their incredible show of support for WVU.”
Don Brodie’s connection to WVU dates back to his undergraduate years. A native of Philadelphia, he was initially drawn to the university by its affordable tuition rates. He enrolled in chemistry, a decision he jokingly attributes to the shorter registration line, but quickly found a passion for the subject. He credits his WVU professors with fostering his innovative spirit and providing a foundation for his future career, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in .
Following graduation, Brodie worked as a chemist and in sales, but it was the entrepreneurial spirit instilled in him by his parents, combined with Linda’s support, that led him to co-found Purolite Company in . Starting in the couple’s basement, Purolite grew into a global manufacturer specializing in products for pharmaceutical and bioprocessing, water treatment, and various industrial applications, including those used in nuclear power generation.
Brodie’s leadership at Purolite focused on developing cost-effective and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes, as well as pioneering innovations in medical treatment. Linda Brodie played a crucial role in the company’s early success, leveraging her experience managing a law firm to establish robust administrative and financial operations. She continued to provide essential guidance and support as Purolite expanded.
The Brodies have increasingly focused on philanthropy in recent years, establishing the Don and Linda Brodie Family Foundation to support their communities and expand educational opportunities. Their giving is rooted in their Jewish faith and a commitment to values of tradition, responsibility, and integrity.
This latest gift to WVU builds on previous support for the Eberly College, including funds dedicated to chemistry students and faculty engaged in research with commercialization potential. “The Eberly College has been so fortunate to benefit from the generosity of Linda and Don Brodie,” said Dean Dunaway. “They have made so many investments in the College to ensure opportunity and success for our students and faculty. This extraordinary gift reflects Don and Linda’s deep belief in Eberly and their desire to help the College thrive well into the future. It strengthens the foundation of the Eberly community to reach new heights in academic excellence, innovation and opportunities for those inside and outside of WVU.”
Don Brodie has also actively engaged with WVU as chair of the Eberly Advisory Committee and through development efforts. He was inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni in and received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the Eberly College last year.
“Education is the most powerful investment we can make in the future,” Don and Linda Brodie said in a joint statement. “Our hope is that this deanship strengthens leadership, inspires discovery and opens doors for students to reach their full potential.”
The Brodies currently reside in Boca Raton, Florida, and are devoted to their family, including three children and five grandchildren.
The gift was facilitated through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization responsible for receiving and administering private donations to the University.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Rice
Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Foundation
304-554-0217; crice@wvuf.org
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