Meet the grads: WVU Student Life award recipients
WVU students Luke Blain, from left, Laasya Chennuru and Brian Benitez were recently honored by the Division of Student Life for their efforts to help improve the University community. (WVU Graphic)
To mark the end of another successful academic year, the West Virginia University Division of Student Life is celebrating excellence across campus with spring awards honoring students, faculty and staff who have helped improve the University.
“We are proud to recognize the people who make WVU the wonderful place it is to learn, live, work and grow,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “This University is what it is because of those who find ways to give back each day.”
One example is Brian Benitez, a resident assistant who was recognized this year during the Residence Life awards as Resident Assistant of the Year and Braxton Tower MVP for his work on campus.
The Annapolis, Maryland, native, who has earned bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering with an emphasis on cybersecurity, and minors in computer science and biometric systems engineering from the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, said the recognition is humbling and makes him feel appreciated.
Brian Benitez, Annapolis, Maryland native, WVU Resident Assistant of the Year and Braxton Tower MVP (WVU Photo/Derek Artimez)
“The awards are a reflection of how much work I’ve put into my position for the last four years,” he said. “Being a resident assistant has had a positive impact on me and, in turn, I gave the position my all and more by being there for my community, peers and the department. In addition, the fact that one of the awards came from my peers and the other came from Residence Life means a lot to me and makes me feel appreciated. WVU has been my home away from home. I met so many new people who helped and supported me here.”
Parkersburg native Luke Blain is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sports and adventure media and a minor in sport coaching. He has worked as sports editor for the student-run newspaper The Daily Athenaeum for the past three years and was recently recognized for his dedication.
Luke Blain, Parkersbug native and Division of Student Life honoree (WVU Photo/Derek Artimez)
“My time as a sports editor for The Daily Athenaeum has meant everything to me,” he said. “My experience with Student Media has helped me grow as a professional and a person, so it is an honor to be recognized in this way. WVU has connected me with so many amazing friends and mentors alike. I am extra thankful for the experiences and memories I have had here.”
A member of the esteemed 2025 Order of Augusta and WVU Honors College, graduating senior Laasya Chennuru was also recently recognized with the Kenneth D. Gray Student Leadership Award during the annual Excellence Awards Banquet. The Martinsburg native has earned degrees in biology and psychology.
“I am so incredibly honored and humbled to have received this award,” she said. “At WVU, I found a community that believed in me. I met countless students, faculty members and alumni who inspired me to channel my passions into action and contribute to something greater than myself. My time here has shown me the power of community and what can be accomplished when we uplift one another. This is something that I will carry with me as I continue my studies at the WVU School of Medicine and work towards becoming a physician.”
Laasya Chennuru, Martinsburg native, recent recipient of the Kenneth D. Gray Student Leadership Award (Submitted Photo)
In April, Student Engagement hosted the annual Excellence Awards Banquet. Twelve award recipients were honored for their accomplishments during the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Outstanding Student Organization Program
- Meal Packing — Muslim Student Association
- Outstanding Student Organization Online Presence
- Muslim Student Association
- Outstanding Teamwork/Collaboration by a Student Organization
- Women in Business
- Outstanding New Student Organization
- Graphic Design Club
- Outstanding Graduate Student Organization
- Graduate and Professional Student Senate
- Quiet Influence / Unsung Hero Award
- Samantha McQuaid — Hospitality Club
- Richard T. Feller Outstanding Alumni Award, presented by Student Government Association
- Outstanding Student Organization Leader
- Katie Miltenberger — Women in Business
- Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor
- Outstanding Student Organization, presented by SGA
- Kenneth D. Gray Student Leadership Award
- Graduate Student Winner – Valerie Jakubec-Malinsky
- Undergraduate Winner – Laasya Chennuru
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