On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the University of Lynchburg will celebrate the successful culmination of One Lynchburg, a multiyear fundraising effort that ended on Dec. 31, 2025.
One of the most significant gestures made during the campaign was made by Watt and Jennifer Foster, a local couple whose generosity secured a home for Lynchburg’s championship-winning equestrian team.
Watt Foster is the CEO of Foster Fuels, a multistate energy company headquartered in Brookneal, Virginia, not far from Lynchburg. His wife, Jennifer, is a local philanthropist known for her hands-on commitment to community well-being.
Her work includes leading a warm-clothing initiative for individuals in need and partnering with the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation to support local students, including those from the University of Lynchburg.
“Together, the Fosters have deeply supported the University’s mission and its students,” said Price Jett, the University’s vice president of finance and operations services and chief financial officer.
Lynchburg’s equestrian center is located on property that was previously owned by FIVE18 Family Services, a nonprofit formerly known as Patrick Henry Family Services. When that property went on the market in the fall of 2025, it put the fate of Lynchburg’s equestrian program in jeopardy.
That’s when the Fosters stepped forward. Motivated by what Jett describes as a “deep love of land and … shared passion for equestrian arts and sport,” the Fosters invested over $1 million to purchase the property.
Then, they entered into a 20-year lease with the University of Lynchburg.
“The University’s equestrian program is a championship-level operation, recognized across Virginia and the nation for excellence, competitive success, and the development of confident, capable student-athletes,” Jett said.
“The Fosters’ generosity ensures that this tradition not only continues but thrives. … [They] have stabilized the equestrian program for the next 20 years. Their generosity will impact dozens and dozens of young people, ensuring that one of our most decorated and beloved programs continues to flourish.
“We are deeply grateful to have stewards of the land who believe in the University’s mission and in the transformative power of equestrian education.”
