As summer officially settles into Morgantown, I find myself reflecting on the transitions that mark this time of year. The end of the spring semester has given way to the beginning of summer, a season filled with new opportunities and fresh starts. Just a few weeks ago, we witnessed the celebration of Commencement, where over 3,000 students crossed the stage to become proud WVU alumni. Seeing so many hopeful faces ready to embark on their next adventures filled me with immense pride, especially as I watched my daughter Alison join the ranks of our alumni family.
Commencement is always a time of mixed emotions—closing one chapter while eagerly anticipating the next. As we bid farewell to the Class of 2024, we also extend a warm welcome to our incoming students throughout the month of June during New Student Orientation. These information-filled sessions for our new Mountaineers and their families are a reminder of the endless cycle of learning and growth that defines our beloved University. It's inspiring to see the new faces, full of potential and ready to make their mark on WVU.
This year has been particularly special as we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the WVU Alumni Association. Reflecting on a century and a half of Mountaineer pride, we have honored our rich history and the countless achievements of our alumni community. From the kickoff at the Marmaduke Dent Benefit to enjoying strawberry sundaes during GradFest with our newest group of Mountaineer alumni, we've embraced the opportunity to connect with both long-standing members and new graduates throughout the year.
We were not the only ones on campus celebrating a big milestone this year, we were honored to share in the celebration of remarkable milestones across the Morgantown campus. The WVU Division of Occupational Therapy marked 25 years of service, dedicated to improving lives through their expertise. The School of Medicine's Social Work BSW program celebrated its 50th anniversary, having produced over 5,000 graduates who have profoundly impacted our communities. The WVU School of Theatre and Dance celebrated 10 years of the dance program with a brilliant and beautiful dance concert. And, of course, the WVU Rugby Club commemorated 50 years of spirited competition and camaraderie, leaving an indelible mark on our university's history.
As we look back at our storied past, we also turn to the future. The next 150 years hold boundless possibilities, and we are committed to celebrating both big and small moments with our alumni community. Whether it’s celebrating Mountaineer newlyweds and new parents, engaging with alumni at Homecoming, hosting career-focused webinars, or travel opportunities to breathtaking destinations like the U.S. National Parks and the Galapagos Islands, we aim to foster lifelong connections and support our alumni in every stage of their journey.
We couldn't wrap up this anniversary without giving you one final chance to join the celebration. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our social media channels from now until June 21 for an opportunity to win a special 150th anniversary giveaway! Head over to our Facebook and Twitter pages for more details.
As I conclude this edition of From Down the Hall, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support of the WVU Alumni Association. It has been a privilege to reflect on our history, traditions, and the remarkable contributions of our alumni during this milestone year. If you aren't already a member, I encourage you to consider joining today. Remember, being a Mountaineer is more than just earning a degree—it's about becoming part of a lifelong community that fosters friendships, fuels passions, and inspires greatness.
Let's celebrate the past, present, and future together as we embark on the next chapter of our journey. Here's to 150 more years of Mountaineer pride!