Berg earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Jamestown, a master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from Yale University.�� In addition to his work at General Dynamics, he also serves on the board of his alma mater, the University of Jamestown.

“I graduated from the University of Jamestown, a small liberal arts college in North Dakota with many similarities to Davis & Elkins,” says Berg.�� “I am honored to be this year’s Commencement speaker and am eager to share with the graduates my thoughts on the value of a liberal arts education for the world they are entering.”

Before joining General Dynamics, Berg spent more than 16 years at Princeton Theological Seminary, serving on the faculty from 2005 to 2013 before joining the senior leadership team in 2014 and being named executive vice president in 2016.�� He joined General Dynamics in 2022 as senior vice president for planning and development before transition to the vice president role overseeing human resources and administration.�� He also serves as executive sponsor of the company’s Cyber Council.

“�鶹��ýӳ�� is honored to welcome Dr. Berg as our keynote speaker for our 117^th Commencement,” says �鶹��ýӳ�� President Chris A. Wood.�� “He has distinguished himself both within higher education circles and now in corporate America.�� His undergraduate institution where he now serves as a Board of Trustee member, the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, is a small rural Presbyterian College much like �鶹��ýӳ��.�� Thus, he understands the magic and uniqueness of �鶹��ýӳ�� because he has experienced the quality education offered at an institution just like this one.�� I am confident his message to our graduates will speak to their hearts and lives.”

Berg is a commissioner at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.�� A native of Jamestown, North Dakota, Shane and his wife, Corrie, a Christian educator in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), have three sons, Anders, Mathias, and Soren.

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For the past four years, one student has served as “President for a Day” while I stepped into the life of a student. This year, six of my colleagues on the President’s Cabinet joined me in this annual exchange with seven students.

Dubbed “Wacky Wednesday – Cabinet Flip Day,” the experience was a resounding success. For students, it provided a firsthand look at the inner workings of the College and, more importantly, a deeper understanding of how complex organizations operate. They interacted with members of the Board of Trustees, attended a Cabinet meeting, and gained insight into how each leadership role contributes to the institution as a whole. Just as importantly, they experienced the weight of decision-making and the balance required between vision and responsibility.

Meanwhile, Cabinet members experienced campus life through the eyes of a student. My day included attending class, participating in athletic practice, spending time in a residence hall, and sharing a meal in the dining hall. These moments reinforced something easy to forget in the routines of leadership: the student experience is not an abstraction, but a lived reality shaped by countless daily interactions. Walking in one another’s shoes fostered empathy, strengthened trust, and created a shared understanding that will continue to shape our work together.

Samy was our “President for a Day.” He is a pre-med major from Brazil and a member of the men’s basketball team. Mature beyond his years, Samy is an outstanding student who consistently earns his place on the President’s List. His academic workload is demanding; he is also shadowing an emergency room physician and working at Graceland, all while balancing the physical and mental demands of collegiate athletics.

We shared lunch in the dining hall with his teammate Walid, an international student from Lebanon. That conversation proved to be one of the most meaningful moments of the day. Samy is Jewish; Walid is Muslim. Together, they spoke candidly about the geopolitical events shaping our world and offered perspectives shaped by their respective countries and faiths. Their friendship, formed in the mountains of Randolph County, has broadened their understanding of one another and our world. Each has listened. Each has learned. Each has had preconceptions challenged and insights deepened.

Walid shared that at Davis & Elkins, he has learned how people from different backgrounds can move beyond division and find common ground. Samy reached across the table, clasped Walid’s hand, and said, “This is my brother.” I sat in quiet amazement, grateful to witness such a moment. At that dining hall table, I witnessed an alternative to the hatred and hostility that too often define our world. In that moment, I experienced hope.

When asked what we learned from this “wacky” day, the answer was simple. Our students expanded their horizons, and our administrators gained renewed perspective. Together, we strengthened a culture of openness and mutual respect—one that reminds us learning is not confined to the classroom, nor leadership to a title. In experiences like this, education fulfills its highest purpose: bringing people closer to understanding one another and, in doing so, changing the world for the better.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
�鶹��ýӳ��

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Ramsey earned his undergraduate degree in Religion from Princeton University and earned both his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.�� He has served Lewinsville Presbyterian Church since 2015.

“I’m very much looking forward to being with the Davis & Elkins community for Baccalaureate this year,” says Ramsey.�� “�鶹��ýӳ��’s legacy as a church-affiliated College is a vital part of our wider community, preparing young people to lead faithful, engaged lives in the world.�� It is a great blessing to be part of this ceremony!”

In his ministry, Ramsey seeks to cultivate a community of people who are committed to following Jesus, receiving the fullness of his love, and embodying that love in a broken world.�� He believes the church is called to live intentionally at the intersection of God’s grace and the world’s pain.

“This year, we’re incredibly fortunate to welcome the Rev. Dr. Scott Ramsey, a fellow South Carolinian, to campus,” says Benfield-Vick Chaplain, Dr. Tanner Capps.�� “Scott is a long-time friend of �鶹��ýӳ��, having served on speaker panels at Robbins Memorial Chapel, regularly meeting with students from the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith & Public Policy, and hosting students and faculty at his church in Northern Virginia.�� In keeping with his commitments to following in the way of Jesus Christ, his message will focus on ‘servant leadership,’ a theme that is also central to the mission of �鶹��ýӳ��.�� This year’s Baccalaureate promises to be a wonderful evening of worship and honoring an incredible class of graduates.”

Ramsey lives in Arlington, Va. with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham, and their two children, Will and Ginny.�� A native of South Carolina, he enjoys hiking, playing tennis, listening to folk and country music, and occasionally attempting to play golf.

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The College’s weekend activities kick off with the 48th Annual Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 8 at 4:00 p.m. in Senate Commons. ��The traditional ceremony, featuring the pinning of all ASN, BSN, and RN-BSN graduates, rose presentations and Florence Nightingale pledge will be led by keynote speaker and �鶹��ýӳ�� alumna, Robin Stillwater, ’13 and ’14. ��Stillwater currently serves aboard the USS Sterett.

Events continue Friday evening with the College’s Baccalaureate Service of Praise and Worship at 7:00 p.m. in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium. ��Graduates will be presented with this year’s Commemorative Coin, designed by senior Maddie Edicola depicting Lake Tolstead – a popular area of campus for students to gather. ��Evening service will be led by the Reverend Dr. Scott Ramsey. ��Ramsey has served Lewinsville Presbyterian Church since 2015, believing the church is called to live intentionally at the intersection of God’s grace and the world’s pain.

Saturday’s 117th Commencement Ceremony is set to celebrate the Class of 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium. ��This year’s keynote speaker is senior vice president for human resources, strategy, and administration at General Dynamics, Shane Berg. ��Berg also serves on the board of his alma mater, the University of Jamestown, a small, liberal arts, and Presbyterian (USA) affiliated college in North Dakota.

“The Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony, Baccalaureate Service, and Commencement are the celebration of years of hard work and determination by the graduate, his or her family, the faculty, and the staff of �鶹��ýӳ��,” states �鶹��ýӳ�� President Chris A. Wood. ��“While this weekend is a milestone for certain, it is also the beginning of a lifetime of opportunity and experiences made possible by our gradates’ years on the �鶹��ýӳ�� campus. ��We are so proud of each member of the Class of 2026, and it is a high honor for me to hand each of them their well-deserved diploma.”

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Departmental Achievement Awards

Students from across the College were recognized for excellence within their academic programs. Honorees in Biology, Environmental Science, and Sustainability included Jaden B. Bender, Alyssa M. Haynes, Shelby Marsh, and Lauren Twyman, with Emma K. Engle receiving the Robert E. Urban Memorial Award.

In Business and Entrepreneurship, honorees were David A. Bailey, Filippo Buffo, Alyson Miller, Melisa Ozsar, Tyler A. McCune, Samuel A. Rached, Catalina Salas Ortega, and Julia Vieira. Chemistry students Brooke J. Jacobs and Taytum Walls were recognized, with Jacobs also earning the Dr. Charles E. Albert Memorial Prize in Chemistry.

Additional honorees included Morgan T. Rogers and Ana L. Ubalde in Communication; Jocelyn P. Burnside, Alyssa J. Moss, Wesley T. Strawderman, and Lydia S. Wamsley in Education; and Savanna G. Hardman, Marina Saviceva-Noti, and Damian R. Stevenson in English and Foreign Language, Religion and Philosophy. Julia Vieira received the Tatiana Jardetzky Scholarship in Foreign Languages and Cultures.

Creative Arts honorees included Madeline L. Edicola, Greydon M. Fischer, and Nicole M. Schumacher. In History, Emma Gioia and Jacklyn Howell were recognized, while Peyton M. Friel received the James H. Swanton Prize in History. Mathematics and Physics honorees included Marcos Pacheco Padilla and Wesley T. Strawderman.

Nursing students recognized included Hillary L. Channell, Autumn Plauger, Aleah L. Sharp, Mary G. Beverage, and Macaden Taylor across ASN and BSN levels. In Psychology, Human Services, Political Science, and Criminology, honorees included Alena R. Armstrong, Erin Laubscher, and Melisa Ozsar, with Marina Saviceva-Noti recognized in Political Science. Bella G. Beaver received the Dorothy F. Roberts Achievement Prize, and Criminology honorees included Avelyn Anderson, Kristia Kouppi, and Shelley E. Steff.

Sport Science honorees included Samy Burd, Francisco L. Kreik, Daphne C. McCann, Jacob Milligan, Justus Petersilie, and Ian M. Wood, with Courtney F. Luikart receiving the Minnick-McCoy Award.

Special Awards and Honors

Several prestigious awards highlighted excellence beyond the classroom. The Faculty Senior Award was presented to Julia Vieira, recognizing a senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and intellectual leadership. The Dean’s Award was awarded to Willow Ferguson, while Junior Marshals Aiden Lloyd and Rafaela Moreira were selected to represent the junior class during commencement ceremonies.

Julia Vieira was also recognized with the L. Newton Thomas Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The Freeman J. Daniels Academic Achievement Awards honored Rafaela Moreira as the top junior, Donna McCauley as the top sophomore, and Christopher Wirahadipoernomo as the top freshman.

The Charles H. Potter II Scholarship Award was presented to JayC G. Morlog for outstanding leadership within the campus community. The Campus Impact Award was awarded to Deimante B. Antoine in recognition of meaningful contributions to campus life.

Outstanding Junior Student Life Awards were presented to Damian R. Stevenson and Maybellene M. Ledesma, while Outstanding Senior Student Life Awards were awarded to Connor R. Hyde and Alexis M. Herndon for their significant contributions outside the classroom.

Among the College’s highest honors, the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award was presented to Sidney Ann Megna, and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was awarded to Samuel Antonio Rached. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify a spirit of service, character, and commitment to others.

The Lois Latham Award for Teaching Excellence was presented to Dr. Sarah Garrison, honoring her dedication to student learning and academic mentorship. Jane Corey was named Staff Emerita in recognition of her years of service, and Stephanie Haynes, College Registrar, received the Robin Price Award for Staff Excellence for her outstanding contributions to the College community.

Academic Distinction: President’s List and Dean’s List

�鶹��ýӳ�� also celebrated academic excellence across the student body through the Fall 2025 President’s List and Dean’s List.

President’s List – Fall 2025 Semester

Students earning a 4.0 GPA while completing at least 12 credit hours

Sidney Apanowicz, Christyna Armijo, Jonathan Armijos, Alena Armstrong, David Bailey, Nicholas Barrickman, Nayo Barroso, Bella Beaver, Zoe Belshan, Jaden Bender, Mary Beverage, Jackson Bigwood, Carrie Bonner, Cameron Branham, Filippo Buffo, Samy Burd, Jocelyn Burnside, Taylor Cable, Melanie Caldwell, Hillary Channell, Lindsay Clendenen, Erin Collins, Olivia Cook, Gabriela Crespo, John Croyle, Erin Dettinger, Alexander Dickinson, Caio Dourado Dias Braga, Jacob Dowdy, Tanner Eaves, Alfred Elfstrom, Joetta Elkins, Lydia Falkenstein, Greydon Fischer, Trinity Fleming, Deylana Forrest, Peyton Friel, Malia Galan, Timo Gerach, Cooper Gibson, Victoria Gill, Emma Gioia, Emiliana Golac, Guia Gomez, Makenzie Gregory, Jillian Griffin, Yiftah Harari, Umut Hatunoglu, Alyssa Haynes, Meg Henkle, Alexis Hewitt, Lisa Hinchman, Julian Hitt, Julianne Hobson, Brooke Jacobs, Aries Jennings, Luka Kalinic, Louay Kassel, Amber Kesling, Simon Kiekebeld, Tiffany King, Kristia Kouppi, Laufey Kristinsdottir, Fabienne Lahn, Erin Laubscher, Rafaela Leao Cota Moreira, Aiden Lloyd, Lauren Lockwood, Brooklyn Long, Francisco Lopez Kreik, Benjamin Luengo, Courtney Luikart, Mackenzie Lyons, Zoe Mackey, Shelby Marsh, Sergio Martinez Laborda, Willow Martz, Daphne McCann, Kelsolynn McCullough, Tyler McCune, Grant Mealey, Sidney Megna, Kade Melton, Alyson Miller, Jacob Milligan, Madison Mims, Kelsea Moore, Alyssa Moss, Taylor Mudd, Jack Murphy, Chasidy Murray, Victoria Noonan, Christopher Osborn, Leonardo Oshiro, Melisa Ozsar, Gabriela Pacheco Acevedo, Landon Paulson, Jeanne Pelissier, Justus Petersilie, Charles Phillips, Autumn Plauger, Sydney Prince, Gustavo Queiroz, Marcus Rader, Maya Rayman, Ariana Rectenwald, Varshith Reddy Marreddy, Jaela Reid, Natasha Rivero-Deighan, Raylynn Roberts, Keira Robinson, Lorena Ruiz-Rubio, Brody Rumon, Reagan Saab, Catalina Salas Ortega, Kyra Sauerwein, Nicole Schumacher, Lincoln Scott, Bethany Settle, Rohan Shah, Aleah Sharp, Alyssa Sharp, Rylan Sharp, Thomas Shaver, Bracie Sheets, Ava Sherman, Amber Short, Rochelle Shoulders, Manuella Silva Cogliatti, Kiara Sisler, Mackenzie Skidmore, Ruby Smith, Miranda Smith, Rachel Snedden, Jan Spehar, Shelley Steff, Charla Stemple, Edward Stephens-Truman, Ke’ya Stevens, Wesley Strawderman, Alyssa Stump, Sydnie Tate, Carla Tegner, Rebecca Tellez, Cathrynne Tenney, Tommaso Tofani, Lauren Twyman, Ana Ubalde, Julia Vasconcelos Vieira, Bailey Verkouteren, Sierra Walesheck, Haden Wamsley, Cayden Warfield, Rebekah Warren, Allyssa Waybright, Victoria Webster, Lilly Wentzler, Hannah White, Josephine Whorton, Emmalyn Whyte, Spencer Willey, Kimberly Winoker, Christopher Wirahadipoernomo, Joel Wise, Karmen Wolverton, Ian Wood.

Dean’s List – Fall 2025 Semester

Students earning a GPA between 3.6 and 3.99 while completing at least 12 credit hours

Saige Abbott, Rylee Anderson, Emma Andrews, Lydia Andrzejuk, Tessa Banasiak, Marissa Barajas, April Belcher, Britney Bond, Addison Boram, Nicole Bramble, Braelyn Brenneman, Grace Bronkella, Sophia Brown, Zachary Calef-Boring, Brenda Castro, Joao Vitor Cavaletti, Devon Channell, Penelope Chavez, Addyson Cogar, Jackson Cogar, Nicholas Colarossi, Kristin Coleman, Taylor Cooper, Allison Cuellar, Cortney Dobbs, Madeline Edicola, Kaitlyn England, Isaac Ferguson, Preslee Fincham, Savannah Foley, London Frame, Madison Frazier, Gabriel Glover, Madison Godwin, Alexia Gonzales, Carson Gorby, Luke Grilliot, Diana Gutierrez, Jacob Hamrick, Gavin Hardister, Savanna Hardman, Brock Harlow, Quinn Hazelett, Faith Heater, Axel Hedreux, Haiden Hedrick, Morgan Hill, Jacklyn Howell, Connor Hyde, Samantha Jarvis, Justin Kearney, Fallyn Kelley, Saylor Kneeland, Dylan Leadbetter, Maybellene Ledesma, Avery Linthicum, Jeremy Lis Rojas, Gabriel Machala, Aidan Maldonado, Tiffany Manning, Juan Martinez Hess, Benjamin McComas, Isabell McCormick, Addison McDonald, Jolie McGaughan, Aidan Miller, Payton Miller, Tomas Miyagi, Hannes Morell, Aiden Morey, Mackenzie Mullan, Cameron Murray, Brooke Nicklaus, Liebe Oosthuizen, Jacob Orr, Andrea Pannell, Kaitlyn Parker, Kendall Pellot Carrasquillo, Rachel Petrice, Kenzie Phillips, Ariona Plumley, Lillyan Plumley, Logan Powell, Emma Prater, Savannah Quave, Samuel Rached, Dallas Rasmussen, Corbin Reilly, Charlie Ressler, Rafael Revenga, Walter Ridgley, Gavin Rodriguez-Cayro, Tomas Rumanko, Briyana Sapp, Marina Saviceva-Noti, Mark Shelley, Bethany Shumway, Nathaniel Silvus, Debra Smith, Madison Smith, Chiebuka Soribe, Tristan Starks, Colten Stasny, Tom Strohschein, Jaelynne Surface, Maximillia Sutherland, Garrett Swecker, Charles Taylor, Nathaniel Taylor, Sierra Taylor, Maiah Teter, Isabelle Thomas, Darren Tjen, Jill Van der Velde, Fletcher Van Heuven, Anthony Vera, Jackson Waggy, Cade Walters, Jarrett Walters, Lydia Wamsley, MacKendrick Weber, Cameryn Wheeler, Zoey White, Charlie Whitsed, Max Wildbore, Abigail Wilfong, John Wilkins, Viktor Yanev, Jose Zavala, Sasha Zirkle.

Looking Ahead

The ceremony also recognized students selected for the Morrison-Novakovic Center for Faith and Public Policy, as well as graduating seniors continuing their education at institutions across the country. Academic honor societies, including Alpha Delta Nu, Chi Beta Phi, Delta Alpha Pi, Kappa Delta Pi, and Sigma Theta Tau, were also acknowledged for their commitment to scholarship and service.

As the academic year draws to a close, the 2026 Academic Awards and Recognition Convocation served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, talent, and impact of the �鶹��ýӳ�� community, both inside and outside the classroom.

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Home is where you are known. It is where someone notices when you succeed—and when you struggle. It is late-night conversations in residence halls, the encouragement of a professor who sees your potential, and friendships that turn into lifelong connections. It is where you begin to understand not only what you want to do, but who you are called to become.

Today, we have an opportunity to ensure that same sense of home endures for generations to come.

Our capital campaign, Creating Home: It Takes a Village, has reached a remarkable milestone. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, friends, and supporters, we are just shy of reaching 99% of our $25 million goal. This is no small accomplishment—it is proof of what the �鶹��ýӳ�� community can achieve when we come together with purpose and pride. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” And yet, as with any meaningful journey, the final steps matter just as much as the first.

The vision for the Freshman Village is simple but powerful: a student’s first year on campus should feel like coming home. These living-learning spaces will do more than provide housing—they will foster connection, encourage engagement, and create an environment where students feel supported from the moment they arrive. Here, friendships will form, confidence will grow, and a true sense of belonging will take root.

When students feel at home, they persist, thrive, and succeed. And they carry forward the values and spirit of this institution into the world.

Completing this campaign represents more than a goal—it marks a defining moment in �鶹��ýӳ��’s history. In a time when many small, private colleges face challenges, this achievement signals strength, momentum, and a shared belief in our future.

But we are not there yet.

That is why we are asking our alumni and friends to step forward in this final push. Whether you have given before or are considering your first gift, your participation matters. No gift is too large nor any gift too small. Each contribution helps create a place where students feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Your support now ensures the Freshman Village is a reality for generations of students who will call �鶹��ýӳ�� home.

A village is built not by a few, but by many—each person offering what they can, united by a common purpose. That has always been the strength of Davis & Elkins.

As we stand on the brink of this historic achievement, reflect on your own sense of home at �鶹��ýӳ��. Think of the people, the places, and the moments that shaped you. Then consider how your gift can help create that same experience for those who follow.

Together, we are building something lasting.�� Together, we will cross the finish line.�� Together, we are creating home.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
�鶹��ýӳ��

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Both DeLuca and Young were voted in unanimously during the state conference in October.

SHAPEWV promotes quality physical education, health education, and physical activity programs across the state by supporting educators and schools. As the state affiliate of SHAPE America, SHAPEWV also helps bring national initiatives like Health.Moves.Minds to West Virginia schools, encouraging students to build healthy habits through physical activity and social-emotional learning.

“Serving as the SHAPEWV Physical Activity Chair allows me to advocate for the importance of lifelong physical activity while supporting educators and professionals who are passionate about health and movement,” says Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Young. “It’s meaningful to me because it gives me the opportunity to support the profession while encouraging more opportunities for physical activity across West Virginia.”

�鶹��ýӳ�� will play an instrumental part in the support of SHAPEWV’s virtual conference between March 1 and April 1 of 2026. The conference, designed as a flexible and accessible way for physical educators to discuss health, physical education, and innovative teaching concepts, will feature five education sessions filmed at �鶹��ýӳ�� with Randolph County Health and Physical Educators Todd Price and Luanne Moore, SHAPEWV officer Kelsey Young, and �鶹��ýӳ�� Head Athletic Trainer Kerrie Snyder.

“SHAPEWV promotes a broader mission of promoting health and an active lifestyle,” says Chair and Professor of Sport Science, DeLuca. “As Vice President of Higher Education for SHAPEWV, I am inspired to encourage innovative teaching and professional growth to others in the field, and to help strengthen connections between higher education institutions across the state of West Virginia, public and private schools, and private health and wellness industries. SHAPEWV promotes a broader mission of promoting health and an active lifestyle.”

Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca

Dr. Kelsey Young

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Strawderman was recognized earlier in the year as a Clinical Teacher of Record, filling a vacancy in middle school math in Tucker County.

“We are incredibly proud of Wesley and the growth he has demonstrated throughout his preparation as a mathematics educator,” sayid Assistant Professor of Education and Chair, Teacher Education Melanie Gribble.

“Watching him develop into a thoughtful and skilled teacher has been a privilege, and this recognition highlights the high standards of preparation we value in the mathematics education program at �鶹��ýӳ��.”

The Walter Regula Mathematics Teacher-in-Training grant is named in honor of Walter Regula, a Marshall University math education professor who also served as president of the West Virginia Council of Teachers in Mathematics.

The award is made each year to an outstanding college or university student who is training to become a mathematics teacher and who has intentions of teaching in West Virginia.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with this award,” says Strawderman. “To me, it represents not just past effort, but a responsibility to continue striving for excellence as a future educator.

“Meeting the criteria for this award reassures me that my dedication to learning, leadership, and service is making an impact. Most importantly, this recognition strengthens my commitment to give back to West Virginia, whether that’s through education, community involvement, or supporting the next generation.

“I’m proud to represent a state that has given me so much, and I’m motivated to give just as much back to it,” Strawderman said.

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Born and raised in the small West Virginia town of Glady, about an hour from Elkins, Lisa came to �鶹��ýӳ�� in 1988 to pursue an associate degree in business. Fifteen years later she earned her Bachelor of Science in business. Just three years after completing her initial degree, she was offered a position in the College’s Advancement Office. Thus began 33 years of service—and counting—to her beloved alma mater. In 2016, she stepped into her current role as Administrative Assistant in the Office of Student Life.

A self-avowed “people person,” Lisa is at the center of a constant stream of students coming and going through the doors of the Student Life Office. Her �鶹��ýӳ�� story is one of relationships—formed with students and parents alike—and of the reciprocal impact those relationships have had on them and on her. More than friendly, Lisa is a steady source of encouragement, support, and confidentiality. Week after week, laughter and tears are shared, hugs are exchanged, prayers are offered, and lives are touched. In many ways, these relationships represent �鶹��ýӳ�� in microcosm.

The so-called “Wall of Fame,” a large collection of photographs of students with Lisa, transforms a plain wall near her desk into a visible testament to connection and belonging. Achieving a coveted spot on the wall has become a point of pride; students have even been known to take photos of their photo with Lisa to send home to their parents. Many of those parents know Lisa as well. In 2013, she launched �鶹��ýӳ��’s parent program, establishing strong two-way communication and serving as a trusted point of contact for families.

One of the most moving annual traditions at �鶹��ýӳ�� takes place during the Baccalaureate Service on Commencement Weekend. Each graduate selects a faculty or staff member to hood them with their academic hood—an honor reserved for someone who has had a profound impact on their college journey. Year after year, Lisa is chosen by one or more graduates for this meaningful role. Such recognition is tangible evidence of the depth of her influence and the profound effect of her life’s vocation: creating community among �鶹��ýӳ��’s students and parents.

Lisa’s relationships do not end at commencement. Countless alumni remain in touch, extending wedding invitations and sharing birth announcements. Life’s mountaintop moments are naturally shared with family—especially their �鶹��ýӳ�� mom.

The journey continues…

Chris A. Wood
President
�鶹��ýӳ��

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FYRA is an exciting opportunity that pairs outstanding students with �鶹��ýӳ��’s excellent, award-winning faculty, allowing in-depth cooperation with a faculty mentor from a first day on campus.�� Recipients will devote four to six hours per week across their first year to the FYRA research-related project of their choice.�� Students will create a FYRA learning contract, participate in regular meetings, present their results, and submit their findings to the appropriate university office.

“The FYRA program is a unique opportunity for incoming students to be involved with research from day one; they work with dedicated faculty mentors and have hands-on experience that is simply not possible at most schools,” says Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike Mattison.�� “Such experiential learning also better prepares students for future opportunities: internships, graduate school, jobs.�� This type of independent work is what employers look for, and what helps hone students’ abilities in communicating, collaborating, and thinking critically.�� We are excited to roll these out at �鶹��ýӳ��, and I’m grateful we have dedicated faculty members looking to mentor our incoming Senators.”

Projects available for research in the upcoming academic year include Public Digital Humanities, Baker Street in Elkins, FYR Scholar in Chemistry 1, and FYR Scholar in Chemistry 2.�� Public Humanities researchers will join a team of elite first-year students to bridge scholarship and community via hilltop history at Halliehurst and Graceland as it applies to the greater Elkins area.�� Baker Street recipients dive into the work of Sherlock Holmes, event planning, guest speaker correspondence, and other components of public relations campaigns.�� Chemistry 1 students will deepen their understanding of scientific principles, enhancing competitiveness for medical school admissions and setting realistic expectations for graduate level work.�� Chemistry 2 researchers assist in the collection and analysis of data, and find additional support from scientific literature, across two comprehensive projects.

When asked about the importance of the public digital humanities project, program leader and Assistant Professor of English Colten Biro said, “This public digital humanities project will connect �鶹��ýӳ�� to its alumni, unique regional location, and to the local community – but, I am really excited about the way the project provides students the opportunity to connect their research and their humanities education to real-world stakeholders, projects, and community organizing.�� It’s a wonderful experience specifically tailored to start the student thinking about “life after college,” and providing the opportunity in their first year at �鶹��ýӳ�� sets them up for success during their time with us and in their future.”

Programs and their respective contact points: Public Digital Humanities Project, Colten Biro, 304.637.1431, biroc@dewv.edu; Baker Street in Elkins, Andrew Jones, 304.637.1691, jonesa7@dewv.edu; FYR Scholar in Chemistry 1, Emma Johnson, 304.637.1427, johnsone4@dewv.edu; FYR Scholar in Chemistry 2, Roshani Asuramana Pedi Durayalage, 304.637.1426, asuranamar@dewv.edu.

The FYRA Scholarship is not part of a student’s work study award.�� Applications should be submitted by April 15 for full consideration.

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