Pride, Tradition, and Service-More Than Just Words
By Al Ware
As an
alumnus of West Virginia University, you are part of a unique
community. No matter where you are, no matter what you do, you
are forever linked to the more than 150,000 individuals who share
your loyalties to the gold and blue. The words pride, tradition,
and service mean something to you.
The WVU Alumni Association is proud of the commitment shown by our alumni. Every day, we are out in our communities using our voices and actions to show support of the University. Whether it's promoting important programs and services, recruiting new students, or mentoring future alumni, we are there for WVU. And, as our membership grows stronger, so does our reach.
We—as ambassadors to WVU—must take responsibility for helping the University grow and prosper so that the many fine traditions that have defined this University for nearly 137 years continue for years to come. That's why our alumni are working to recruit the next generation of Mountaineers—the bright, enthusiastic students who will become tomorrow's leaders. We are also reaching out to current students by developing important services that will help them take advantage of internship, mentoring, and networking opportunities, providing them with additional skills and contacts as they prepare for the future.
We are also bringing alumni together by hosting or participating in more than 300 association and chapter events each year. These gatherings not only reunite alumni and friends, they provide an opportunity to raise awareness of important University initiatives and issues. During the next year, we will be expanding chapter and outreach programs to bring the Mountaineer spirit closer to you.
Technology is also opening doors for our members. We are working to build a robust online community that will bridge the digital divide and give alumni a new resource to stay in touch with fellow graduates. Through this enhanced web presence, alumni will have more opportunities to tell their stories and share in others successes.
Members maintain a strong commitment to education. Thanks to the generous contributions from our alumni and friends, we are able to award scholarships totaling more than $400,000 through the WVU Alumni Association's Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund. Because of this support, deserving students are given an opportunity to achieve academic excellence and become the next generation of great WVU graduates.
As I said earlier, pride, service, and tradition are more than just words—to you and to me. With your support, we will continue to provide innovative programs and services that benefit all of our alumni. Join me as a member of your alumni association by helping us spread Mountaineer pride worldwide. Your input can honestly make a difference in the future of WVU.