Elmo J. Hurst was an outstanding businessman & philanthropist in WV and across the nation for over 50 years. After graduating from WVU in 1953, with a B.S. in Mining Engineering and three years as Lieutenant (J.G.) in the US Navy, he began work as an assistant Chief Engineer and assistant to the VP and GM of Winding Gulf Coals Inc. in WV. He then became VP and GM of Lively Manufacturing & Equipment Co. and J.O. Lively Construction Co.. When these companies were sold to Elgin National Industries in 1969, he became President of both. He retired in 1988 as President of Elgin.

Soon after retiring, he purchased controlling interest in the Miller Bearing Co. and Almega/Tru-Flex, Inc. and became Chairman/CEO of both companies. He was also Chairman/CEO and owned controlling interest of Mountain State Home Care, Inc., AmeriCare Management Services, Inc., Your Choice Home Care, LLC and served on the Board of Directors of several engineering, financial and banking organizations.

The accomplishments of Elmo's professional activities were matched by his philanthropic efforts. He was instrumental in establishing Beckley Area Foundation. He served as chair & member of WVU Foundation Board of Directors for more than 20 years and has also served WVU as a member of the College of Engineering Visiting Committee, the College of Minerals & Energy Resources Advisory Committee, Vice Chairman of "The Campaign" for WVU and the Executive Council of the Alumni Association.

WVU honored him by inducting him into The Order of Vandalia, Woodward Circle, The Irving Stewart Society, and selected him as WVU Mountaineer in 1980. They also honored Elmo and his wife Betty by naming the atrium of the Minerals & Energy Resource Building in their honor.

He generously donated his time and money by serving WV in such organizations as the WV Housing Authority Board, Governor Arch Moore's Advisory Council for Technical Services, the YMCA of Southern WV, and was instrumental in the foundation of the Women's Resource Center in Beckley. One measure of his important contributions to the Beckley community is the Spirit of Beckley Community Service Award he received in 1996.

​Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Elmo Hurst” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a scholarship fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.

The goal of Civic Leadership Academy is to foster cadet officers’ civic growth by increasing their leadership skills, sense of civic responsibility, and overall interest in the democratic process. Cadets interested in politics and careers in public service, CAP’s Civic Leadership Academy, an exciting 1-week program in Washington, DC, is for you. Cadets participate in behind-the scenes tours and briefings at the Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Pentagon, CIA, Arlington National Cemetery, and more. This is not your average field trip to Washington. CLA is an academically focused activity that includes seminars, readings, and group projects. The week culminates with Legislative Day, when cadets meet with their elected leaders on Capitol Hill.

A bequest from sisters, Freda and Sula Soter created the “Athas and Helen Soter (Athanasios and Eleni Karakasis Soteracopoulos) Memorial Fund” to honor their parents. The income from this fund will go to YMCA of Southern West Virginia for programs directed to disadvantaged children, the Raleigh County Public Library and the Beckley Concert Association.

Freda and Sula's parents were ethnic Greeks who were born and reared in Katirli, Turkey, before immigrating to the United States. Freda was a claims representative for the Social Security office and Sula was a supervisor in the business office of a telephone company. Both of them were very involved in the community.
 
Freda and Sula established another fund at BAF in 2017, to support the Beckley Concert Association and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for its outreach, beautification, and arts programming.
 
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Soter23” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a designated fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email info@bafwv.org.