It’s hard to believe it’s already time for another edition of From Down the Hall. August flew by, but it was a fantastic month! We kicked things off by welcoming students back to campus during Welcome Week, bringing that familiar buzz of energy as students settled in for the semester.
In addition to campus events, we traveled to Harrisburg for the Central PA Chapter’s Annual Golf Tournament, an event that brought together alumni and friends for a day of camaraderie. We then joined our friends at the National Capital Area Chapter for their Annual Crab Feast, where Mountaineers gathered for an afternoon of great food, fun, and plenty of crab cracking.
August also marked a milestone with a successful Marmaduke Dent Benefit, raising essential funds for alumni programming and student scholarships. Held at the Erickson Alumni Center, the event transformed into a tropical escape with island-inspired music, food, and drinks. The atmosphere captured that perfect "5 o’clock somewhere" vibe, and the generosity of our attendees ensured lasting impact for our students and programs.
As the month closed, all eyes turned to Morgantown for the start of football season. The Pat McAfee Show broadcast live from the former Mountaineer Field on Friday, followed by Big Noon Kickoff on Saturday. The energy leading up to the game was electrifying, and while the game’s result wasn’t what we hoped for, the weekend brought Mountaineers from all over back to Morgantown to celebrate and reconnect.
Fast forward to September, and our first home game win over Albany this past weekend launched the Alumni Association Football Newsletter! After each home game win, Alumni Association members will receive game highlights, photos, and a featured tailgate recap. This new perk is designed to bring the spirit of a Mountaineer football Saturday directly to your inbox, wherever you are. If you haven’t already, now’s the perfect time to join the Alumni Association and gain access to the Football Newsletter throughout the season.
As we head into this weekend, we are excited for the highly-anticipated Backyard Brawl! Mountaineer fans everywhere are gearing up for this historic rivalry, and we can’t wait to see WVU take on the Pitt Panthers. If you’re heading to Pittsburgh for the game, be sure to join us at Tom’s Watch Bar on the North Shore for a special Pitt Pregame Party. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow alumni, get into the Mountaineer spirit, and prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable game.
Not traveling to Pittsburgh this weekend? Our WVU alumni chapters have you covered! Not only are many of our 66 Alumni Chapters active year-round, providing excellent opportunities to expand your network of Mountaineers, many host game watches during football season, giving you the chance to meet fellow alumni and celebrate victories together. Chapters also participate in service projects, allowing you to give back to your community while supporting WVU initiatives. It’s the perfect way to stay connected, no matter where you are. Find a chapter in your area!
As the fall semester continues on campus, WVU remains a hub of activity. Research projects, student-led initiatives, and events are propelling the University forward. With career fairs, professional development workshops, and guest lectures on the horizon, there are plenty of opportunities for students to thrive academically and build their futures.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for Homecoming Weekend, October 18-20! We look forward to welcoming you back to Morgantown for a weekend filled with tradition and Mountaineer pride.
Let’s go!