As summer winds down and the sunsets in Morgantown once again paint the sky in golden yellows, pinks and purples, letting us know that fall is not far away, a familiar buzz of excitement envelops our campus once again. The time-honored tradition of college students returning to campus has arrived, and with it comes a palpable energy. The smiles on the faces of students walking across the Downtown Campus to class, the earnest conversations that flow in the Evansdale Crossing, and the reunion of friends on the Mountainlair green are the sights and sounds that make this time of year very special. For us alumni, the return of students is a poignant reminder of our own journeys as college students. We see ourselves in their excitement, aspirations, and wonder. It's heartening to witness their curiosity, as they carry forward the traditions that have been passed on by others, and for those of us on campus and beyond, it is a season filled with opportunities to share the experiences that define all of us as Mountaineers.
One of the best introductions for our new students to some of our favorite traditions is through Monday Night Lights, an event that began in 2015. Held annually at Milan Puskar Stadium during Welcome Week, it has become a symbolic moment of transition into the WVU community. The event brings out special guests that share their passion for WVU, and includes appearances by the Mountaineer Mascot, Pride of West Virginia, and the WVU Cheer team to kickoff the Mountaineer journeys of the newest members of our campus community. I’m sure you remember the first time you heard “Let’s Go”, followed by someone responding “Mountaineers,” watched the Pride of West Virginia’s pre-game performance, sang Country Roads locked arm in arm swaying with others, or joined in the call of first down at the stadium. It’s a special moment to witness when others experience these traditions for the first time themselves. To cap off the evening, first-year students make their way onto the field to participate in one of our newer traditions, taking a class picture inside the Marching Band’s outline of the State of West Virginia, forever memorializing their initial days as Mountaineers.
▲ WVU Photo/Matt Sunday
▲ WVU Photo/Matt Sunday
▲ WVU Photo/Matt Sunday
▲ WVU Photo/Matt Sunday
▲ WVU Photo/Matt Sunday
▲ WVU Photo/Matt Sunday
After witnessing a new group of students introduced to some of our most beloved traditions, I couldn't help but reflect on them myself, and what they mean to me personally. Knowing just how special these moments are in the hearts of so many Mountaineers, I asked some of our most dedicated alumni who volunteer for their alma mater leading alumni groups across the country about their favorite gameday traditions. Here’s a few of their responses:
“There is nothing like singing Country Roads with thousands of other Mountaineer fans and players after a win! 💛💙” - Sarah D.
“Tailgating in Morgantown is an atmosphere I haven't experienced anywhere else. Along with the above mentioned, the team Mantrip is a very cool tradition to experience as well along with the wave back to the children's hospital.” - Tyler C.
“At our game watches, we Cue Country Roads and even the non WV folks chime in…” - Kim A.
“When the flags come out of the Pride (of West Virginia) circle during pregame… my late father would say it’s time for Mountaineer football! It now brings a tear every time I see it knowing he’s got the best seat in the stadium!💛💙” - Pam S.
“Eating pepperoni rolls and playing cornhole at a tailgate. And going to Mario’s Fishbowl to celebrate a win!” - Loren L.
“The band's pregame performance. I loved seeing them come down the hill to the stadium!” - Amy R.
It is these common experiences, our shared traditions, that help to bind us together as Mountaineers. Whether you attended years ago or are just starting your WVU journey, we look forward to sharing some of these traditions with you on campus or at a chapter and interest group event or program around the country this fall.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the important role that our loyal volunteers play in service to our alma mater. Our chapter leaders embody the Mountaineer spirit and make it their mission to keep our alumni connected to WVU. If you aren’t already involved in your local chapter, I invite you to find the one nearest you and join in one of their upcoming events.
I now leave it to you - what’s your favorite WVU tradition? Rolling out the carpet at a Mountaineer Basketball game? Singing our Alma Mater? The Class Ring Ceremony? Let us know on our social media channels!
Let’s Go!
Kevin Berry ('94, '95)WVU Vice President of Alumni Relations
CEO of the WVU Alumni Association, Inc.