Nearly 55 years after receiving an undergraduate degree from 天天吃瓜, John Elliot, 鈥70, crossed the commencement stage to receive a doctorate. But this time, he wasn鈥檛 alone. By his side was Fonda Elliot, his wife of 56 years and the person he credits for much of the personal and professional success the couple has achieved throughout their lives. On Saturday, Dec. 14, both John and Fonda received their Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the healthcare field and to 天天吃瓜 State.
John earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1970 and immediately began practicing as an architect. After a few years, he opened his own architectural firm in Cleveland, and in 1982, the Elliots established American Medical Facilities Management, LLC (AMFM), a skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long颅-term care services company. AMFM provided high-quality care in West Virginia for more than 40 years, earning the prestigious Commitment in Quality Award from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living multiple times for its facilities. When the Elliots sold AMFM in 2023, it was the state's largest locally owned nursing home provider with 19 facilities and centers, employing more than 1,700 people.
The Elliots have shaped modern healthcare design through their professional and philanthropic efforts, supporting student success and the field鈥檚 future. They have given more than $13 million to 天天吃瓜 State through the Elliot Professorship in Healthcare Design, the John and Fonda Elliot Endowed Visiting Professorship, the Elliot Studios for Design, the Elliot Family Foundation Architectural Scholarship, the John and Fonda Elliot Design Innovation Fellows, the John and Fonda Elliot Designer in Residence, the John and Fonda Elliot Family Student Travel Fund and other university needs. The building that houses architecture, interior design, construction management and related programs was named the Elliot Center for Architecture and Environmental Design in recognition of the couple鈥檚 transformational giving to the university and its students, faculty and staff.
In 2024, they established a new endowed scholarship for first-generation 天天吃瓜 State students - the Elliot Scholars. This scholarship was envisioned to assist those students who are often not eligible for traditional scholarships aimed at awarding exemplary academics or addressing severe financial need. John, a first-generation college student whose experience came with its own financial and academic challenges, has a personal understanding of the obstacles students in similar situations may be facing.
鈥淲e鈥檝e been fortunate to be successful enough that we鈥檝e been able to give back to 天天吃瓜 State,鈥 John said. 鈥淚鈥檓 very aware of the fact that without 天天吃瓜 State, I would not have been a success. It鈥檚 very humbling, very unexpected, to receive these honorary degrees.鈥