In the wake of severe flooding that damaged the home of a valued custodial staff member, faculty and staff across the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering came together to offer support – both financial and personal.

After visiting the damaged home in West Virginia, a faculty member saw firsthand the extent of the damage. Much of it was caused by gravel and runoff from a nearby West Virginia Department of Highways site, which overwhelmed the property during the storm. The damage is significant, with repair costs estimated to be around $20,000.

Despite the scale of the challenge, the response from the department was inspiring. In just a few days, donations from faculty and staff—including both monetary gifts and essential materials—have already exceeded $6,000.

Key repaired needed include the removal of flood-saturated insulation and the replacement of the home’s furnace, which was destroyed in the flooding.

This effort reflects the strong sense of community within the department and a shared commitment to supporting colleagues in times of need. Those who wish to contribute or learn more are encouraged to reach out to Bill Knocke for ways they can help.