CONGRATULATIONS: WVU College of Creative Arts and Media Alumni Raise $50K to Honor Martinelli with Scholarship
In a remarkable show of gratitude and unity, alumni of West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts and Media have come together to raise $50,000 to establish a scholarship in honor of beloved professor and mentor, Vincent Martinelli. The newly created “Vincent Martinelli Legacy Scholarship” aims to support future generations of students who embody Martinelli’s passion, creativity, and commitment to excellence in the arts.
Vincent Martinelli, a long-serving faculty member of the college’s School of Art & Design, is widely regarded as one of WVU’s most influential and inspiring educators. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Martinelli mentored thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to distinguish themselves in fine arts, film, theater, and multimedia design. His teaching style—marked by its mix of rigorous discipline and warm encouragement—left a lasting impact on countless lives.
The initiative to create the scholarship began earlier this year, when a small group of alumni reunited at a campus event. What started as a conversation about shared memories quickly evolved into a coordinated fundraising campaign. Within months, more than 100 alumni across the country had contributed, surpassing the $50,000 mark needed to endow a permanent scholarship through the WVU Foundation.
“We wanted to do something that would not only honor Professor Martinelli but also help students who remind us of ourselves when we were just starting out,” said alumna Jennifer Hollis, Class of 2005, who helped lead the effort. “Vincent pushed us to be our best, even when we didn’t believe in ourselves. This scholarship is a way to say thank you—and to make sure his legacy lives on in future artists.”
The Vincent Martinelli Legacy Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student in the College of Creative Arts and Media who demonstrates exceptional promise in their discipline, a strong work ethic, and a spirit of innovation—hallmarks of Martinelli’s philosophy. Priority will be given to students with financial need and a clear commitment to community engagement through the arts.
WVU President E. Gordon Gee praised the alumni’s effort, calling it “a powerful reminder of how one educator can inspire generations.”
“Professor Martinelli’s influence extends far beyond the classroom,” said Gee. “He helped shape the creative landscape of this university and this state. This scholarship ensures that his passion for the arts will continue to inspire and uplift future students.”
Martinelli, now retired and living in Morgantown, was visibly moved when he learned of the scholarship in his name. “I never expected anything like this,” he said. “Teaching was always about the students. Watching them grow, watching them create—there’s nothing more rewarding. To know they thought enough of me to do this… it’s overwhelming, in the best way.”
The College of Creative Arts and Media will formally celebrate the scholarship’s establishment during its annual Homecoming festivities this fall. A special tribute ceremony is planned, during which the inaugural scholarship recipient will be introduced alongside Martinelli and the alumni organizers.
Dean Keith Jackson emphasized the broader meaning of the moment: “This scholarship is not only a gift to one student each year—it’s a gift to our whole community. It shows what’s possible when creativity, compassion, and gratitude come together.”
The Vincent Martinelli Legacy Scholarship stands as a testament to the profound difference a dedicated educator can make. It also reflects the enduring bond between alumni and their alma mater, a bond rooted in shared values, lasting friendships, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of the arts.
