Throughout its more than 80-year history, the Mountaineer has become a symbol of the determination and spirit of West Virginia University students, graduates and fans. From the late 1920s when the mascot donned traditional Appalachian clothes to today’s Mountaineer featuring the buckskins, the mascot remains one of the most beloved traditions on the WVU campus.
To honor the commitment and service of the University’s mascots, Larry (‘71 BSBA) and Evelyn LaFon (‘71) of Charleston, West Virginia, provided a $50,000 gift through the LaFon Foundation to create a wall at The Erickson Alumni Center commemorating former Mountaineers.
“The Mountaineer is the face and namesake of the University and a true representation of the pride we have for WVU,” Larry LaFon said, speaking fondly of his college days when two of his fraternity brothers were awarded the honor of serving as the mascot. It is a symbol that the LaFons, along with many others, hold close to their hearts. “We are blessed that we can be a part of providing a permanent place for all past and future Mountaineers in the alumni center.”
The wall, located just outside of the Mountain Room at the center, contains a timeline of events dating back to the 1920s when the Mountaineer was first officially adopted as the school mascot and first began appearing at sporting events in 1927. It also showcases photographs of many Mountaineers and a list of every Mountaineer Mascot throughout history. Written above the contents of the wall is a phrase that resonates within every person that holds WVU in high esteem: “Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer.”
While the Mountaineer first began making appearances in the late 1920s, it wasn’t until 1937 that Mountain –- the University’s oldest senior honorary –- began selecting the individuals who would assume this coveted role. To be selected to represent the University, students write essays, go through interviews and participate in a “cheer off” at a basketball game. The mascot becomes an ambassador of WVU and the entire state where they make hundreds of appearances each year, including athletic events, summer send-offs, alumni activities and other community events.
The gift was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $1 billion comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2017. For more information about WVU Alumni Associationhttp://alumni.wvu.edu/ giving opportunities, contact Nicole Riggleman at 304-293-4731.
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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu
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