Story Pitches

A passion for growing pumpkins, an ethic opposed to waste and a sense of originality and fun have inspired West Virginia University horticulture student Dustin Trychta to organize a Pumpkin Regatta. Just what it sounds like, four giant, hollowed pumpkins will be used as boats in a relay races along the Monongahela River Sunday (Oct. 22) beginning at 11 a.m. Participating teams include the WVU Horticulture Club, Men’s Rowing Club, WVU student veterans and teachers from North Elementary School. The event is free and open to the public.

One of the most powerful tools in the West Virginia University LaunchLab array is the pitch competition, in which students prepare tightly-times presentations about their products or businesses that they then deliver to a panel of judges. WVU LaunchLab aims to support student entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups by helping to develop business models, and introducing students to potential investors and customers. The Fall Kickoff Pitch Competition was held in September, and WVU LaunchLab is currently accepting entries in its Women’s Pitch Competition.

Wheeling artist Lacie Wallace came to terms with her “cancer body” in one of the only ways she could—her art. Wallace’s bright and intimate portraits are coupled with narratives as she chronicles her experiences in and out of hospitals as a cancer patient. Her exhibit “Bodies of Truth: An Artist’s Creative Exploration through Cancer” is on display in the Health Sciences Pylons Area, where WVU Libraries will host a reception Oct. 10 at 5 p.m.

A new West Virginia University Extension Service program is empowering women in agriculture by providing them with first-hand knowledge of ways to manage farm finances, production and technology. It is part of a growing movement in West Virginia of women breaking out of typical gender roles.

West Virginia University’s popular “Student Athletes Speak Out” program is getting new support because of a chance note from an alumnus that said, “Carolyn-endow scholarship.” The Dr. Carolyn Atkins Scholarship will provide funds to SASO, which is teaching student athletes the importance of public speaking and sharing personal stories of personal motivation to West Virginia middle schoolers and the Mountaineer community.

As part of West Virginia University’s 150th Birthday celebration and in honor of the University’s status as a land grant institution, artist Hunt Slonem, known for his portrait tributes to President Abraham Lincoln, will visit WVU Thursday through Saturday (Sept. 14-16). Slonem’s work is on display at both Blaney House, home of WVU President Gordon Gee, and at the Art Museum of WVU.

West Virginia University has developed a CARE Team whose central mission is to help students, staff and faculty better assist at-risk students.

West Virginia University is ready for The Great American Eclipse, the first to be seen across the continental U. S. in more than 20 years. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is hosting a pre-eclipse event Saturday (Aug. 19) from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will receive “passports” that take them on a self-guided tour of mini-lectures, hands-on activities, planetarium shows and rooftop observing. The event is the finale of a summer of preparation for the eclipse.

A community of first generation college students is the latest example of West Virginia University’s commitment to creating the best college experience for all students. The FirstGen Living, Learning, Community joins seven other campus communities that foster “neighborhoods” at WVU. The University will welcome 30 FirstGen students at a kick-off event at 5:30 p.m. August 16 at Dorsey’s Knob. Media members are welcome to attend.

Between them, faculty at West Virginia University have hundreds of degrees and areas of expertise. Some of them also have “hidden talents” they use to engage others through community service and create beauty in different ways.