Davis & Elkins College is thrilled to announce two generous gifts totaling $80,000 to support the Naylor Learning Center, a crucial resource that helps students excel academically. The contributions come from Sylvia Fields of The Eden Hall Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Imran Akram and Dr. Seemi Andrabi of Great Falls, Virginia, all of whom share a strong commitment to advancing educational opportunities at the College.
Sylvia Fields, whose son is an alumnus of Davis & Elkins, made her substantial donation in honor of two influential individuals who have made a lasting impact on the College community: Carol Carter, Professor of Business, and Mary Ellen Schubert, who retired in 2021 as Director of the Naylor Learning Center. Fields’ gift recognizes the profound influence these two women have had on students’ academic success and overall well-being at the College.
Imran Akram and Dr. Seemi Andrabi, current parents of a Davis & Elkins student, also made a generous contribution to the Naylor Learning Center. Their donation underscores their belief in the College’s commitment to offering exceptional educational experiences, particularly for students with learning differences or disabilities.
Since its dedication on September 23, 2011, the Naylor Learning Center, located on the second floor of Albert Hall, has been an essential part of academic support at Davis & Elkins College. Established through the generosity of the Naylor family, the Center offers a variety of services, including Academic Support, Disability Services, and the Supported Learning Program.
The Naylor Learning Center’s mission is to improve academic performance for all students, enhance the learning experience for students with disabilities, and increase access to higher education for individuals with diverse needs. Through its comprehensive programs, the Center plays a vital role in ensuring the success of students, particularly those facing unique learning challenges.
Derek Fincham, Director of the Naylor Learning Center, expressed his deep gratitude for the recent gifts, stating, “These contributions will have both an immediate and lasting impact on our ability to support students and expand our programs. We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of our donors.”
President Chris A. Wood also expressed his gratitude, stating, “The generosity of Sylvia Fields and The Eden Hall Foundation, along with Imran Akram and Dr. Seemi Andrabi, is a powerful testament to the lasting impact Davis & Elkins College has on its students and alumni. The Naylor Learning Center is integral to our mission of supporting student success, and these contributions will ensure it continues to inspire and empower future generations. We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment to the continued growth and success of Davis & Elkins College.”
These gifts arrive at a pivotal time, providing essential resources to sustain and expand the Center’s services. As the College remains committed to investing in student success, the Naylor Learning Center will continue to play a critical role in achieving that vision.
Those interested in joining Sylvia Fields and The Eden Hall Foundation, along with Imran Akram and Dr. Seemi Andrabi in supporting the Naylor Learning Center are encouraged to contribute. Gifts can be made online at: Give – Davis & Elkins College or by mailing a check to the College’s Advancement Office. For more information about the Naylor Learning Center and its programs, please visit: Educational Support – Davis & Elkins College.
