Following a year of missed milestones, celebrations and traditions, West Virginia University’s first in-person commencement ceremony since December 2019 ushered in a renewed sense of optimism for the nearly 4,500 graduates who walked across the stage to receive their diplomas in four ceremonies this weekend (May 15-16).
As nearly 4,500 students gear up for the first in-person Commencement at WVU in nearly two years, President Gordon Gee could not help but to soak in the atmosphere beforehand at Milan Puskar Stadium in this edition of Gee Mail.
A West Virginia University student who helped raise more than $193,000 to support the most urgent needs at WVU Medicine Children’s via MountaineerTHON is being honored for her efforts by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
An international student who has immersed himself in the “cultural heartbeat” of his new community, a first-generation student graduating with a cumulative 4.0 grade-point average who had no access to high school college-prep courses and a Black woman who aspires to bridge the gap between research and clinical care to improve health disparities are among the graduating seniors to receive West Virginia University’s highest student honor, the Order of Augusta. These eight students are among 50 named WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors.
West Virginia University’s fall 2021 semester begins on Wednesday, Aug. 18. While many public health guidelines will remain in effect, there is much hope that we can return to a vibrant campus environment. Our priority for the fall semester is simple: We want to ensure in-person instruction for our students so they can enjoy the full college experience.
Distinguished by high standards for academics and a passion for discovery and to serve their state and others, five rising freshmen have been named to the 2021-22 cohort of West Virginia University Foundation Scholars, the highest academic scholarship the University awards.
It’s been 10 years since former West Virginia University Emergency Medicine resident Greg Seftick died in an avalanche at Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park. Shortly after the tragic accident, the WVU Foundation worked with Seftick’s family and the School of Medicine to establish the Dr. Gregory Seftick Wilderness Medicine Fund. Now, Seftick’s family has partnered with the Foundation again to launch a crowdfunding effort that builds upon his legacy.
Applications are now being accepted for the seventh round of grants through an enrichment fund established by Women of WVU.
Gov. Jim Justice announced on Monday (April 12) the launch of the nation’s premier remote work program, aimed at recruiting outdoor enthusiast professionals to the Mountain State. The program, called Ascend WV, supported by West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys, will allow adventurers to enjoy world-class recreation, uncrowded spaces, and a low cost of living while staying fully connected to their jobs, and it comes with the country’s best remote worker incentive package: $12,000 and a year’s worth of free outdoor recreation.
The West Virginia University Foundation honored donors whose recent planned gifts will benefit the future of the University. The Irvin Stewart Society virtually welcomed 132 new members at its 26th celebration event April 9. WVU President Gordon Gee and WVU Foundation President & CEO Cindi Roth were main speakers at the event. A recorded version of the ceremony is available here.