West Virginia University graduates never truly leave their alma mater. Many continue their pride and commitment by volunteering in their communities or local chapters. Some serve on committees that enhance the goals of WVU.

During the WVU Homecoming celebration (Sept. 28-29), five dedicated alumni who always “carry” the Flying WV with them, no matter where they go, will be recognized for their commitment to WVU. Everett Bowling, Heather Dishman, Saul Radman, Doug Skaff Sr., and Rob Smith are the recipients of the 2012 WVU Alumni Association Chapter/Service Awards. The awards will be presented during halftime of the WVU-Baylor game on Saturday, Sept. 29.

“Each of these graduates displays his/her allegiance to WVU through professional integrity, community service, and preservation of WVU traditions,” said Steve Douglas, president and CEO of the WVU Alumni Association. “These individuals have given tirelessly to helping to make WVU a better, strong university.”

Everett Bowling

Dr. Everett Bowling of Pineville, W.Va., is the recipient of the Paul B. “Buck” Martin Award, which is presented to a graduate who has worked to preserve, maintain, and promote the traditions of WVU.

Bowling graduated from WVU in 1975 from the School of Dentistry. After graduating, he returned home where he started his practice with his childhood dentist, Dr. John S. Lambert Jr.

Bowling remains active in the WVU community as a member and former president of the WVU School of Dentistry Alumni Association and a former chair of the WVU School of Dentistry Board of Advisors. He also served as president of the New River Dental Society, former delegate to the American Dental Association House of Delegates, and former president and secretary of the West Virginia Dental Association.

Dr. Bowling has been involved in a variety of civic and community activities including Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, WVU Extension Service County Steering Committee, and 4-H Youth Camp Board of Directors, among others. He is a founding member of the Wyoming County WVU Alumni group and charter member of the Mountaineer Bucket Club. He also was elected two terms as Mayor for the Town of Pineville.

On game days, you can spot Dr. Bowling greeting visitors with his trademark “ears” on display, which have earned him the nickname ‘Eer Man. He and his wife, Junemarie (also a WVU alum) live in Pineville.

Heather Dishman

Heather Dishman, a native of Cumberland, Md., is the recipient of the Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award. This award honors a WVU graduate who graduated fewer than 10 years ago and who has provided exceptional service to the Alumni Association or a local chapter.

Dishman received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from WVU in 2008. While at WVU, Dishman served as vice president for the Society of Women Engineers, captain for the WVU Formula Lightning Electric Racing Team and Challenge X Hybrid Vehicle Project. She also served as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. As a freshman, she worked for the dean of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

Dishman lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Chris. She is a development engineer for Weatherford International. Heather and Chris currently serve as co-vice presidents of the WVU Alumni Association’s Lone Star Chapter. They represent the Old Gold and Blue by helping to coordinate WVU game watches, community service activities, and other events for alumni and fans in the greater Houston area.

Doug Skaff Sr.

The David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award will be given to Doug Skaff Sr. This award recognizes the support and lifelong service to the WVU Alumni Association.

Skaff, a native of Charleston, W.Va., received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from WVU in business administration and public administration, respectively. He also received an advance degree graduate from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.

Skaff has been self-employed in real estate development and investments since 1993. He currently owns several real estate companies in West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Skaff has been active in civic and government related positions, including West Virginia’s Governor’s office and he served as state director of economic and community development. He is an active volunteer, serving in leadership roles for various civic organizations, and hospital foundation boards. He is a member of advisory board for BB&T Bank. He is a member of the WVU Foundation’s Irvin Stewart Society.

Skaff resides in South Charleston with his wife of 37 years, Maryann Damous (‘75). The couple has three children – all of whom are WVU grads: Teresa (‘00), Doug (‘00, ‘01) and Thomas (‘06, ‘07).

Rob Smith

The John F. Nicholas Jr. Chapter Leadership Award is awarded to a member of the Alumni Association who has given tremendous service and contributions to a local chapter. Rob Smith is the recipient of the award for his outstanding work with the Central Indiana Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association.

Rob Smith grew up in Pinch, W.Va., and now lives in Columbus, Ind., with his wife and their twin boys, Ian and Neil. As an Eagle Scout, Rob continues his love for scouting and staying active in the community by leading his sons’ Cub Scout den.

Smith received a bachelor’s degree (‘91) and master’s degree in mechanical engineering (‘93), both from WVU. He is an engineering manager at Cummins Inc., where he is responsible for the performance of new engine design assigned to him.

From 1998-2012, Smith served as president of the Central Indiana Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association. The chapter helps alumni living in the area maintain a connection to the university. Smith also coordinated WVU college fair recruiting events at Cummins, bringing together 40 alumni working in various functions throughout the company.

Saul Radman

Longtime business owner Saul Radman will be recognized with the James R. McCartney Community Service Award. The award recognizes outstanding citizenship, service, and community involvement.

Radman, a native of Uniontown, Pa., grew up working in his father’s “working man’s” store where he helped fit miners and other laborers with work clothes. His experiences led him to open his own store – Daniel’s – nearly 50 years ago. The exclusive men’s store has become one of Morgantown’s most successful. Throughout his career, Radman has helped dress many young men and his store was one of the first to offer “credit” based off the honesty policy. Many WVU students and graduates bought their first interview suits from Daniel’s and continue to come back to thank the man who helped them dress for success.

Radman’s sister, Hilda Rosenbaum, founded Rosenbaum Family House, which provides a place for adult patients and their families to stay while receiving medical care at WVU. Radman has remained actively engaged with Rosenbaum House activities. He has two sons, Scott (a two-time WVU grad), and Joel. The family remains loyal Mountaineers, always supporting the university.

For more information about Homecoming activities, visit:
http://homecoming.wvu.edu/

-WVU-

as/09.23.12

CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu

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