WVU Football’s 5th Quarter Program Receives $1.6 Million Gift

West Virginia’s football program announced on Monday morning that they received a $1.6 million gift from WVU alumni John and Elaine Chambers. The money will go towards educational opportunities for the 5th quarter program.

“We are excited to partner with WVU’s football program to reimagine how we educate Mountaineer student-athletes,” John and Elaine Chambers said. “We know our student-athletes have the drive and work ethic it takes to succeed. By empowering them with comprehensive, next-generation skills and experience, we can ensure they are prepared to excel in a rapidly changing global workplace. Their professional victories will also help build West Virginia’s growing reputation as a Startup State that cultivates innovation and produces future leaders.”

The Chambers both graduated from West Virginia University, John in 1971 and 1974, and Elaine in 1972.

“John and Elaine Chambers have made a significant donation to our 5th Quarter Program, and I want to thank them for their support and helping us take it to a higher level,” Director of Athletics Shane Lyons said.

In 2020, WVU head coach Neal Brown started the 5th quarter program to ensure student athletes a plan post-graduation from West Virginia. Brown’s purpose is to develop these players into independent adults once they graduate. The program’s whole-person approach focuses on five pillars: character development, leadership development, real life, career development and social responsibility.

“The 5th Quarter Program is a vital part of the overall success of our football program,” WVU head coach Neal Brown said. “It helps us educate and prepare our players to be the total student-athlete and give them important understanding of life after football. Chambers Elite Climbers will provide an enhanced level of development across all five pillars of the 5th Quarter Program. I want to thank John and Elaine Chambers for their generous support.”