Alumni

West Virginia University has released its Spring 2026 Dean’s and President’s lists, as well as the full list of spring semester graduates.

In recognition of their loyalty and service to West Virginia University, four Mountaineers — David Alvarez, Steve Antoline, David Hendrickson and William "Bill" Wilmoth — will be inducted into the Order of Vandalia during a ceremony later this year.

Demonstrating the broad reach, strength and dedication of Mountaineer Nation, the West Virginia University Alumni Association is launching its annual national service project — Bears and Blankets — to benefit WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s.

The family of longtime civil engineer and lawmaker David B. McKinley is honoring his wish to establish a $100,000 scholarship to benefit future engineers studying at the West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

A $1 million gift to the West Virginia University John Chambers College of Business and Economics bridges experiential learning and community outreach by expanding support for Data Driven WV. Impressed with the center and its purpose, sisters Dori Lewis Smith and Jeannie Lewis have generously supported the program honoring their parents’ memory.

Accepting a charge from West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson to boldly carry forward the University’s land-grant mission of service and leadership, thousands of graduates crossed the Commencement stage at the Hope Coliseum May 15-17.

A West Virginia University student with aspirations for a career in foreign service is a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship, providing an opportunity to study a foreign language abroad this summer. Benjamin “Ben” Caltrider is a native of Charles Town who is double majoring in international studies and history.

A senior executive who has spent the past 14 years in progressive roles at the West Virginia University Foundation has been named the organization’s new vice president and chief financial officer/treasurer. Melissa L. Simpson will begin her new position July 1.

Continuing a West Virginia University tradition, Reese Allen — a senior mechanical engineering and data science major in the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources — officially began his duties as the 72nd Mountaineer mascot during a symbolic rifle passing ceremony at the Mountainlair on Friday (April 17).

Supporters of West Virginia University made a record number of gifts and contributed more than $22 million during the University’s ninth Day of Giving Wednesday (March 25). Every state was represented on the donor map.