INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The 12th annual West Virginia State University (WVSU) Black & Gold Gala will take place, Friday, April 10, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
The black tie event recognizes the generosity of donors with a private reception prior to the Gala while raising funds to further support educational programs and students at the university. The Gala also honors business and civic leaders who have made a lasting impact on the state of West Virginia and beyond with the presentation of a presidential award from WVSU President Ericke S. Cage.
This year’s presidential award honorees are the late Katherine “Kitty” Dooley and Tom Heywood.
“The Black & Gold Gala honors individuals whose dedication has truly transformed lives across West Virginia,” said President Cage. “Kitty Dooley and Tom Heywood exemplify this spirit through distinguished careers defined not only by professional excellence, but by an unwavering commitment to service, volunteerism, and strengthening the communities that move our state forward.”
Katherine “Kitty” Dooley
A native of Fairmont, Dooley was well known throughout the state of West Virginia for her law practice and her social justice advocacy. For many years she served as the principal of The Dooley Law Firm, P.L.L.C.
Dooley was a 2015 recipient of the Charleston YWCA’s Women of Achievement Award. In 2013, she received the Governor’s Civil Rights Award sponsored by the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. She was awarded the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Living the Dream Award for “Human and Civil Rights” from the State Holiday Commission.
Dooley formerly served as a member of the West Virginia State University Board of Governors. She was a past Chair of the Board of the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia and served as a Board member of the Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action (KISRA) and the Charleston YWCA. In addition, she was a founding member of African-American Philanthropy in Action (AAPA) and was an active member of The Charleston-Institute Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
A 1990 graduate of the West Virginia University College of Law and a 1980 graduate of Marshall University, following her undergraduate work, Dooley served in the U.S. Army. As a Military Intelligence Officer she attained the rank of captain. She was awarded the overseas service medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Parachutist Badge.
Dooley passed away in October 2025.
Tom Heywood
Heywood is the Chair of Business Development and the immediate past Managing Partner of the law firm of Bowles Rice, a position he held from 2008 to 2022. He has significant experience in health care, banking and corporate/commercial law, and is frequently called upon by clients and community leaders for advice on business matters related to acquisitions, divestitures and other transactional matters. An experienced facilitator, he regularly assists businesses and organizations in the strategic planning process.
As a former Chief of Staff to the Honorable Gaston Caperton, Governor of West Virginia, Heywood has extensive experience working with government officials at the federal, state and local levels, and is an active member of the Bowles Rice Government Relations team.
Heywood serves on many charitable and non-profit boards, and actively participates in various business and economic development organizations and trade associations, including the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the Discover the Real West Virginia Foundation, the West Virginia Roundtable, the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and West Virginia University Health System, Inc. In addition, Heywood serves as the co-chair of West Virginia State University’s capital campaign, which has already raised more than $23.8 million of its $25 million goal.
Heywood is active as a leader in many civic initiatives and organizations, and has received numerous awards for his public service. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and a law degree from the Harvard University Law School.
The 12th annual Black & Gold Gala will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction, followed by dinner and the program recognizing honorees at 7:30 p.m., and a dance immediately following the program. The popular annual event is hosted by the university and the West Virginia State University Foundation.
Sponsorships for the Gala are available, and individual tickets are on sale now for $150. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (304) 766-3020, email gala@wvstateu.edu, or visit https://connect.wvstateu.edu/gala.
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