Submitted photo Amrit Rayfield, center, addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins. Joining him are Davis & Elkins College Planned Giving Advisor Mike Bell, trustees Dottie Wamsley and Joyce Allen, Athletic Director Jennifer Riggleman, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Goddard and Elkins Rotary President-Elect Jerry Marco.

ELKINS — Amrit Rayfield, director of philanthropy for Davis & Elkins College, addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins. Rayfield is a 1997 graduate of D&E, previously serving the college as a basketball coach from 1999 through 2009. Rayfield assumed his current position as director of philanthropy in August of 2024. “I’m passionate about connecting people with opportunities to make a lasting difference and, every day, I get to do that through fundraising, alumni engagement and helping our students thrive,” said Rayfield.

As a member of the institutional advancement team, one area of focus for Rayfield is Senator Nation Athletics, working to raise support for scholarships, the athletic department and its programs, facility improvements and alumni initiatives. Rayfield manages a group of donors and prospective donors, many of whom are alumni and/or supporters of Senator Nation Athletics. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping these individuals see the impact of their generosity in real time – whether through student scholarships, improved campus facilities, enhanced academic resources, team support or new gear for D&E athletes,” commented Rayfield. “There is a wide range of opportunities.”

Additionally, Rayfield concentrates on alumni relations, especially re-engaging D&E’s young alumni both in the U.S. and around the globe, developing events that are based on shared affinities, academic majors and class years. “We’re being more intentional about creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to reconnect, not just with the institution, but with one another,” said Rayfield.

Rayfield is heading up an effort to expand D&E’s international alumni relations. The college has a long-standing tradition of welcoming students from around the world, with alumni from 45 countries. Many of these alumni are leaders and changemakers and it is important for the college to remain connected with these alumni.

D&E has a strong tradition of hosting alumni events, including an annual homecoming celebration and regional meetups in key cities where graduates live and work. During the current academic year, homecoming is scheduled for the weekend of October 10-12 and regional events and virtual meetups have been/will be held in California, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. “Our goal is to create a sense of ongoing community, turning alumni into lifelong ambassadors, mentors and even partners in shaping the future of the college,” said Rayfield. “When alumni feel engaged, they’re more likely to give back, not just financially but with their time, networks and ideas.”

A highlight of Rayfield’s presentation was a detailed explanation of the Davis & Elkins College Senator Nation Club, which was launched last fall. The club is a fundraising community that supports D&E’s 400+ student-athletes. This club allows individuals and businesses to provide direct impact for these athletes and the athletic programs. All tax-deductible gifts qualify donors as a member of the club, providing benefits from weekly event schedules and Senator Nation gifts to VIP hospitality and reserved seats at select events based on the donors giving level. Levels include: Teammate ($50-$99), Captain ($100-$249), All-Conference ($250-$499), All-American ($500-$999) and Champion ($1,000+). To make a gift to support the Club and a full explanation of the benefits associated with each giving level can be found at www.senatornation.com and “Give to Senator Nation”.

In addition to gifts to the club, businesses may also choose to purchase sponsorship packages that provide a number of benefits for both the sponsor and the athletics program. There are three levels of sponsorship in the amounts of $500, $1,000 and $2,000. These packages include varying levels of signage at the McDonnell Center and other facilities, logo displays on the athletics website, livestream commercials and mentions, and VIP access at select events. For further details regarding the packages and the benefits associated with each level, please contact Rayfield directly.

During the month of September, Senator Nation will be holding its second Cannon Clash, a one-week fundraising challenge and competition among D&E’s 20 varsity athletic teams. Each team will raise funds for specific needs such as gear, travel, meals and equipment. The first Cannon Clash raised over $57,000; the goal for September’s event is $75,000. More information will be available on this year’s event through the Senator Nation website and social media channels.

“We’re not just maintaining relationships, we’re building a strong, intergenerational and international network of support for D&E’s mission: To prepare and inspire students for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world,” concluded Rayfield.

To make a gift to support Davis & Elkins College, visit the college’s website, www.dewv.edu and click on “Support D&E.” Gifts directed toward Senator Nation athletics can be made at www.senatornation.com. Rayfield can be reached at rayfielda@dewv.edu or 304-637-1904.

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves. Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page – Rotary Club of Elkins – or contact 2025-2026 club president Phillips Kolsun at phillipskolsun@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.