The WVU Alumni Association celebrates the winners of the 2019 West Virginia University Homecoming and Alumni Service Awards, which recognize graduates who have embodied Mountaineer values throughout their lives and careers.
Dr. Joshua Mali will serve as the Grand Marshal for the annual Homecoming parade scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. on High Street in Morgantown. Founder and CEO of Mali Enterprises, Mali (’04 BS, ’09 MD) is a board-certified ophthalmologist and award-winning retinal specialist in Sarasota, Florida. Mali was named America’s Top Ophthalmologist in 2018 and was recently honored with the 2018 Outstanding Alumnus for the West Virginia University Department of Biology for leadership in his field.
Dr. Norman D. Ferrari (’78 BA, ’82 MD) will be recognized as the 2019 Outstanding Alumnus. Ferrari has spent his career developing pediatric care in Morgantown and currently serves as the Vice Dean of Education and Academic Affairs for the WVU School of Medicine. In addition, Ferrari is the President-Elect for the Executive Council of the WVU School of Medicine Alumni Association. Ferrari has received numerous awards, including Outstanding Resident Teacher, Clinician of the Year, Distinguished Teacher of the Year, David Z. Morgan Mentor Award, and the John W. Traubert Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award will be awarded to Kim Harrison (’86, BS, ’07 MA). Harrison has dedicated her skills to better the WVU community both for students and for staff members, and her presence on campus is palpable. Harrison serves as the Assistant Director of Student Involvement for Student Engagement and Leadership for WVU, where she is responsible for overseeing the process of recognizing and supporting the 450+ student organizations at WVU.
Katie Moore (’10 BMDS, ’10 MA) is the recipient of the Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award. Moore is the Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at WVU and this past year, organized a monumental celebration for the members of her Pi Beta Phi sorority to celebrate its100th year on campus, bringing members from multiple generations back together again. Prior to serving the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Moore taught elementary school in Monongalia County and served as an advisor to the West Virginia Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi.
Representing outstanding citizenship and service within her community, Annette Fetty Santilli (’93 MA) is the James R. McCartney Community Service Award recipient. Santilli has been a tireless volunteer and advocate for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. She has traveled to Washington, DC, 12 times to advocate for more pancreatic cancer research funding. She helped pass the Recalcitrant Cancer Research Act and the 21st Century Cures Act, both of which help to advance pancreatic cancer research. Santilli served as State Lead Ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and is currently the Administrator for the Barbour County Health Department.
Dana Brooks (’76 MSPE, ’79 EDD) is the recipient of the Paul B. “Buck” Martin Award. Brooks is the former Dean of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at WVU, where he has left an astonishing legacy. Brooks is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare and prosperity for all. During his time as Dean, it was important for Brooks to provide opportunity and to advance high-impact research that would lead to transformation in West Virginia. Brooks has an extensive record of awards and accomplishments, and most recently, was honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who.
The John F. Nicholas Jr. Award, which honors a graduate for outstanding service and contributions to an alumni group, is being awarded to The West Virginia University Alumni Band. The WVU Alumni Band was established in 1969 and is one of the longest continually operating and top-performing alumni interest groups. It has engaged a constituency of more than 2,500 WVU graduates and has been involved in fundraising for the university, along with its continuous and generous support of the Pride of West Virginia. This award will be accepted by Angelia Barnett and Mary Lechliter King on behalf of the WVU Alumni Band as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Awardees will be recognized at the Homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 4, and during halftime of the WVU vs. Texas football game on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Submit nominations for 2020 Homecoming & Alumni Service awards.
-WVU-
as/09/27/19
CONTACT: Meridith
Balas
Director of Alumni Engagement
WVU Alumni Association
meridith.balas@mail.wvu.edu
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