Davis & Elkins College and Davis Trust Company have celebrated yet another partnership by agreeing to construct the Davis Trust Company Player & Press Pavilion at Nuttall Field. The new facility will provide a permanent site for athletic game operations, collection of statistics and livestreaming of athletic contests, as well as student-athlete restrooms.
The College and Davis Trust Company made the dual announcement Saturday before fans attending the Senator women’s and men’s basketball games in The McDonnell Center. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2023.
“Davis Trust Company continues to be a vital partner to the Elkins community and Davis & Elkins College,” said D&E President Chris A. Wood. “Davis Trust Company, through this significant gift, is not only supporting D&E Athletics but also younger athletes from the community utilizing Nuttall Field. The region is fortunate to have corporate partners such as Davis Trust who are committed to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Randolph County and beyond.”
With the addition of the Davis Trust Company Player & Press Pavilion, the College will be able to accommodate a wide variety of sporting events such as local, regional and national competitions on the secondary school and collegiate levels, youth camps, non-profit events and numerous community partnership programs. All could bring additional dollars into the local economy and publicity for the community.
“With a partnership dating back to our shared founder, we believe it is only fitting that we do our part to ensure Davis & Elkins College receives the support needed to continue on as a pillar of our community,” said Davis Trust Company President and CEO Hugh Hitchcock. “We hope that this contribution to the College, its students and our local athletic teams will be appreciated for years to come.”
Davis Trust Company has been a longtime partner with the College by supporting the former Randolph County Scholarship Fund for many years, funding a full Highlands Scholarship for one student each year since 2010 and providing for construction of the Davis Trust Company patio at Madden Student Center.
The College and Davis Trust also share historic ties. Both institutions were founded by Henry Gassaway Davis – the bank in 1899 and the College in 1904.
In addition to Davis Trust Company’s lead gift, alumni contributions helped the College meet the $275,000 project goal. Soccer alumnus Michael “Mickey” Whelan ’74 of Dublin, Ireland, provided $25,000. Trustee and alumnus Bill Nuttall ’70 of Chattanooga, Tennessee, led the effort to rally soccer and lacrosse alumni and friends from around the world to complete the fundraising mission.
Nuttall Field, dedicated in 2013, is the site of D&E soccer and lacrosse matches.
Leaders from Davis & Elkins College and Davis Trust Company gather with student-athletes in The McDonnell Center to celebrate the announcement of the Davis Trust Company Player & Press Pavilion. The new facility will be constructed at Nuttall Field on the College campus.
