ELKINS, W.Va. — Davis & Elkins College dedicated the Nestor Family Lounge & Patio at Gribble Hall and unveiled the newly named Mike Ross Family Foundation Freshman Village on Sept. 25, honoring two families whose generosity and longstanding commitment will enrich the student experience for generations.
The celebration, held during the college’s Sept. 25-27 Homecoming weekend, brought together alumni, students, trustees, faculty, staff and friends to recognize the Ross and Nestor families for their investments in spaces designed to strengthen community, connection and belonging.
The program began at the Nestor Family Lounge & Patio, where speakers reflected on the impact of philanthropy and the importance of spaces where students can build relationships, find support and develop a sense of community beyond the classroom.
“These are much more than physical spaces,” said Scott Goddard, vice president for institutional advancement. “They represent what makes the Davis & Elkins experience so special. The generosity of the Ross and Nestor families will help students form friendships, create lifelong memories, and develop a sense of belonging from their very first days on campus. Their investment is ultimately an investment in people and in the future of this institution.”
Board of Trustees Chair Dave Cutlip, a 1977 graduate, praised both families for their leadership and commitment to future generations of students.
“At their best, colleges are communities,” Cutlip said. “The Ross and Nestor families exemplify the spirit of investing in future generations, and their generosity will have a lasting impact on students for years to come.”
Student Government Association President Kade Melton spoke on behalf of the student body, noting that both spaces would play an important role in shaping the student experience.
“For many students, the Freshman Village is where the Davis & Elkins journey begins, while the Nestor Family Lounge & Patio will become a place to gather, study, relax, and connect,” Melton said. “Current and future students will directly benefit from these extraordinary gifts.”
The program also included remarks from Mike Ross and Joyce Nestor, representing families whose connections to Davis & Elkins span generations through alumni, employees, volunteers and community leaders.
Following the program, college officials, students and members of the Nestor family participated in a ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony at the Nestor Family Lounge & Patio. Attendees then gathered at the entrance to the Freshman Village, where the Mike Ross Family Foundation Freshman Village sign was unveiled.
Davis & Elkins President Chris Wood said the gifts reflected a shared commitment to helping students thrive inside and outside the classroom.
“The Ross and Nestor families understand that a college education is about more than academic achievement,” Wood said. “It is about relationships, personal growth, and finding a place where students feel at home. These gifts strengthen the fabric of the Davis & Elkins community and will positively impact generations of students who choose to make this campus their home.”
The dedications underscored the college’s ongoing commitment to a vibrant residential campus experience and the role of philanthropy in shaping its future.
As Homecoming weekend celebrated the traditions and memories that united generations of Senators, the ceremonies recognized alumni and friends whose investments supported the lives and success of current and future students.