Largest Gift in WVU Foundation History

Morgantown entrepreneur and philanthropist Milan "Mike" Puskar simply credits his parents, Serbian immigrants, with teaching him the spirit of philanthropy. Little did West Virginia University know the impact of that lesson.

On November 20 WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. announced that Puskar made a $20 million personal commitment to the Building Greatness Campaign in support of athletics and academics at the University. He is the founder and chairman of Mylan Laboratories Inc., one of the premier manufacturers of prescription generic drugs in the world.

The gift is the largest ever made to the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University and moves the Building Greatness Campaign beyond the $300 million mark.

"This is an extraordinary gift from an extraordinary man," Hardesty said. "Mike Puskar recognizes that this is a critical time for our athletic program. This gift alone does not guarantee the future of our athletic program, but it enables us to take a major step forward and provides a wonderful example to others. The academic portion of his gift reflects Mike's appreciation of the importance of the University's mission of teaching, research, and service. His generosity will find its legacy in future successes on the playing field and, especially, in the lives of our students."

The gift will provide $14.5 million for the department of intercollegiate athletics, making it the largest gift ever in support of WVU athletics, and $5.5 million for academic needs. The athletic portion of the gift includes $1 million for Puskar Center renovations, $700,000 for Coliseum renovations, $800,000 for the Soccer Stadium Complex, and $12 million for the Milan Puskar Athletic Scholarship Endowment. The designation for the academic funds will be announced at a later date.

Duke Perry, president and CEO of the WVU Foundation, noted, "The University and the Foundation are fortunate to have such a generous and good friend. Mike Puskar has a distinguished record of support for this institution. His gift not only helps the University address critical needs, but also propels the Campaign beyond $300 million—an achievement thought impossible in these difficult economic times. We are appreciative of the fact that he wanted his gift to be a part of this effort and take us to the next level. The continued success of this Campaign shows the confidence and commitment of our alumni and friends and the ability of this University to make a difference in the lives of the people of West Virginia, the region, and the nation."

"We are very appreciative of Mike Puskar and his vision for West Virginia University athletics," added Ed Pastilong, WVU director of athletics. "This is a major step forward in completing the athletic department's strategic plan, which was approved by the WVU Board of Governors. Mike's generous gift will address needed capital improvements for athletics and will also underwrite many student-athlete scholarships for years to come."

Steve Douglas, president of the WVU Alumni Association, also noted the impact of Puskar's gift.

"WVU's alumni are ardent fans who take great pride in our athletic teams," Douglas said. "Maintaining a competitive athletic program in the years ahead is one of their primary concerns. I know they will be very pleased with this generous gift and the enormous impact it will have on our facilities and student-athletes as well as the strengthening of our academic quality."

Puskar is cofounder and chairman of Mylan Laboratories Inc., one of the largest and most successful generic pharmaceutical companies in the United States. He and an associate founded the company in 1961. Beginning in 1972, Puskar served as vice president and general manager of ICN Pharmaceuticals in Cincinnati, Ohio, until 1975 when he became a partner in Elan Corp. in Dublin, Ireland. He returned to Mylan in 1976 as its president, took on the additional duties of vice chairman in 1991, and became chairman in 1993. He served on the commission of the Federal Drug Approval Process and is one of the founders of the Generic Pharmaceutical Industry Association.

A 1960 Youngstown State University graduate, Puskar has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his illustrious career, including induction into the Order of Vandalia, the highest honor WVU bestows on an individual. Puskar has also received honorary doctorate degrees from WVU, Duquesne University, and Fairmont State College.

Milan Puskar Stadium
In recognition of the continued generosity of Milan Puskar to West Virginia University athletics, academic programs, and scholarships, WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr. announced on November 24 that WVU's football stadium will be named Milan Puskar Stadium, home of Mountaineer Field.

"I can't think of a finer gentleman, business leader, or friend with whom West Virginia University could be linked," Hardesty said. "Over the years Mike has been an ardent supporter of WVU. His giving has touched many areas across WVU and benefited thousands of our students. The naming of the stadium in his honor recognizes not only his financial generosity, but also his contributions of time, energy, and expertise to this University."

Puskar's most recent contribution of $20 million to the WVU Foundation's Building Greatness Campaign is another testament of his ongoing philanthropy and commitment to excellence, Hardesty noted.

"How do you properly say thank you for such generosity, given from the heart? We are doing so by naming our football complex—Milan Puskar Stadium, the home of Mountaineer Field," said Ed Pastilong, WVU Director of Athletics. "I can't think of anything that will mean more to Mike than to have his name permanently associated with the home of the Mountaineers. What he has done will benefit thousands of young men and women and especially our athletes for generations to come."

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