In 1979, Kanawha County educators Marvin and Elaine Culpepper had a problem; they had run out of space for their growing book collection.  Marvin, a 1951 West Virginia Wesleyan graduate, had become a voracious reader of military history, specifically the Civil War, and the books were beginning to take over the house.

Elaine, who was a Wesleyan student in the 1950’s, urged Marvin to give some of the books to a local library.  With his life-long connection to Wesleyan, Culpepper decided to begin donating books to the College’s Annie Pfeiffer Library.  Twenty-seven years later, the Culpepper book donation has grown to 4,543, including 2,810 Civil War titles and 1,479 about World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

Marvin’s passion for military history began with his father, Ross, a long-time beloved United Methodist minister.  “My dad joined the National Guard in 1938,” says Culpepper.  “Before the war, he was activated and then shipped overseas.  When he returned, he was stationed in California for two years.  My mom, Olive, went out to be with him while I stayed in Charleston with my grandparents.  It was my dad’s involvement in the National Guard that initiated my interest in military history.”

Marvin followed his father’s National Guard history, enlisting in 1947, and retiring as a Brigadier General in 1980 after 33 years of service.  “My life experience expanded my interest from the Civil War to World War I, II, and the Korean War,” adds Culpepper.

During the past two and a half decades, Marvin has single-handedly created one of the most prolific and prominent Civil War collections housed at any College in the mid-Atlantic region.  “We receive many requests from researchers,” says Kathy Parker, Director of Library Services.  “Many universities tell us that our Lincoln Collection and our Civil War titles are the most comprehensive of any library in the country.  Today, Mr. Culpepper asks me what titles we need and shortly thereafter, it is part of our holdings.  His generosity will benefit future generations of scholars and researchers.”

Culpepper’s recent interests have focused on the Holocaust, African-American involvement in military battles in the Civil War, and other military issues.  “I was thrilled to learn that we had so many books on the Holocaust,” says Dr. Richard Weeks, professor of history.  “This collection is a great advantage for Wesleyan and allows our students many resources to write thorough papers.”

While the book collection is remarkable, West Virginia Wesleyan has long benefited from the Culpepper’s family history of philanthropy.  The College has received hundreds of thousands of dollars that provide scholarship assistance to Wesleyan students.  Scholarships include, the Alice Culpepper Moore Swimming, Culpepper Wesleyan Scholars, Elaine Karnes Culpepper Music, Marvin W. Culpepper History, Olive Culpepper Scholarship for International Students, Ross Culpepper Basketball, Bobcat Boosters Football, Bobcat Boosters Men’s Soccer, and Bobcat Boosters Women’s Basketball Scholarship.  In addition, the Culpepper family has provided funds to help athletic teams purchase uniforms and equipment for many years.  In 2005, Culpepper was inducted in Wesleyan’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Wesleyan honored both Marvin and Elaine at the College’s 116th Commencement ceremonies on April 30, conferring the Doctor of Humane Letters honorary degree.  “Marvin and Elaine have made invaluable contributions to this College,” notes William R. Haden, president of Wesleyan.  “We are immensely grateful to both of them for their life-long generosity.”