For Dr. Bonny Copenhaver, giving back to East Tennessee State University is not just about philanthropy; it is about creating spaces where students feel seen, supported and inspired.

That commitment is now permanently reflected in the newly named Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies suite inside Gilbreath Hall, honoring Bonny and her husband, Alan, for their generous contributions to the university.

“It was a very emotionally overwhelming day,” she said. “When I realized just what we had done and the ability to endorse a space that needs to be there, it was very humbling.”

Bonny Copenhaver, president of New River Community and Technical College and a third-generation ETSU alumna, said the significance of the space is deeply personal. As a student in the 1980s, she did not have access to women’s studies courses or spaces that reflected diverse perspectives.

The suite, she said, offers community beyond academic programming.

“For the students who call it home and find their people there, it provides a safe space,” she said. “It lets them know they’re not alone.”

Bonny emphasized that representation plays a critical role in shaping students’ ambitions.

“You can’t become what you cannot see,” she said. “I didn’t see a female college president until I was in my mid-20s. I didn’t even know women held that position.”

Her husband echoed the shared commitment behind the gift.

“We made this decision together,” Alan said. “We’re both in agreement about how important this is.”

While the naming recognition is meaningful, Bonny said, the permanent naming legacy was never the real goal.

“We’ve never really thought it would be possible that we would have our name on anything,” she said. “I would rather give anonymously, but I understand the importance of publicly naming spaces.”

She hopes the space sends a lasting message to students.

“Somebody cared enough about what they wanted to study to make it worth putting their name on,” she said. “Someone they may never meet, but who believes that it is important.”

That belief in student opportunity extends beyond the classroom. The couple also supported the ETSU Marching Bucs during their appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade -- an experience the Copenhaver’s described as transformative.

“Marching band gives you confidence,” Alan said. “You learn how to work with people, trust others and achieve a goal together.”

Watching students perform on a national stage reinforced the importance of expanding horizons.

“For many of them, it’s the first time they’ve been out of this region,” Bonny said. “You take them to one of the largest cities in the world and that changes how they see what’s possible.”

The Copenhaver’s commitment to ETSU shows a consistent vision: opening doors for students. Their generosity continues to make a lasting impact by supporting hands-on learning opportunities and investing in academic programs – all initiatives that make ETSU the thriving institution it is today.

“This is our little way of adding to that,” she said. “Just two quiet Appalachian people doing our part.”