Next weekend, a new class of Mountaineers takes the stage. As West Virginia University celebrates the graduation of the Class of 2025, we as alumni have so much to be proud of. These students, now our fellow alumni, have walked the same paths through campus, studied in familiar classrooms, and cheered on the Mountaineers with the same pride that has long united us. And now, they join a powerful network of more than 200,000 WVU graduates around the world.
For these students, this milestone marks a defining moment. As they put on their caps and gowns, gather with classmates, and hear their names echo through the Coliseum, they’re not just celebrating the end of college, they’re stepping into a lifelong identity as WVU alumni. With one final chorus of “Country Roads,” they join a tradition that links generations and carries the spirit of WVU wherever they go.
Before the ceremonies begin, the celebration kicks off with GradFest on Wednesday, May 14. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Downtown area of campus will come alive with music, giveaways, photo ops, and more. It’s a chance to celebrate with family and friends, to tell us where the next step on your Mountaineer journey will take you, grab their first WVU Alumni t-shirt, and activate a complimentary year of Alumni Association membership, marking their official welcome into our alumni community.
For those of us who once stood where they do now, this season brings a sense of nostalgia and appreciation. Commencement reminds us how special this community truly is. The friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the pride we share in being Mountaineers only grows stronger with time. Watching this next generation step into the fold is a powerful reminder of the legacy we all help shape.
The Class of 2025 is joining our ranks, and the Mountaineer family continues to grow. Many will soon be moving to new destinations and looking for ways to stay involved, and our local alumni chapters provide just the right place to start. These chapters are where traditions continue and the Mountaineer spirit thrives.
We encourage our newest alumni to plug into these local chapters, no matter where life takes you. WVU alumni chapters across the country offer a ready-made community. Whether it’s a game watch party, a service event, a networking opportunity, or a casual gathering, these chapters keep the WVU spirit alive and are even stronger when new graduates get involved.
To our fellow alumni reading this: we’ve all been in their shoes. Think back to when you graduated and what came next. Many of us found guidance or encouragement from other alumni in those first few months after leaving campus. Now it’s our turn to do the same. Invite a new graduate to an upcoming event. Offer to meet for coffee or send a quick message of support. These small gestures can make a big difference and help new alumni feel part of something bigger.
The Class of 2025 brings fresh energy, new perspectives, and Mountaineer pride into our alumni family. Let’s celebrate them, support them, and continue to strengthen the bond that makes WVU more than a university, but a lifelong home.
Congratulations, Class of 2025. We’re proud to call you fellow alumni.
Let’s Go!
Kevin Berry ('94, '95)
WVU Vice President of Alumni Relations
CEO of the WVU Alumni Association, Inc.