As the summer season comes to a close, fall is already in full swing at WVU! Campus is buzzing, alumni are reconnecting, and there’s a lot to look forward to as we head into one of the most exciting times of the year.
Marmaduke Dent Benefit
This year’s Marmaduke Dent Benefit proved why it remains one of our most cherished traditions. After all, when Mountaineers gather on the eve of the Backyard Brawl, it’s never just an ordinary evening.
Hundreds of alumni and friends filled the Erickson Alumni Center courtyard in their best country-western gear for a night of celebration for a good cause. We cheered on the Mountaineer Marching Band Drumline, tapped along with the WVU Line Dancing Club, and sang with Dixon Hall as they filled the courtyard with country music. The night featured a lively silent auction and ended with a memorable “Country Roads” send-off.
Every dollar raised helps support student scholarships and alumni programming. It’s a tradition that keeps Mountaineers connected, and I’m already looking forward to the 30th Annual Benefit next fall.
President Benson Tour & Meet WVU
This summer and fall, we’ve had the privilege of introducing WVU President Michael T. Benson to our wild and wonderful state and its remarkable people. From stops in Bridgeport, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Charleston, and Logan County, President Benson has had the chance to experience the unique communities, culture, and spirit that make West Virginia so special.
Along the way, we’ve connected with prospective students, families, and alumni, sharing our WVU pride and helping everyone feel more connected to the University we love. These events have been a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds that tie our alumni and communities together, and the exciting future that lies ahead for WVU.
On Tuesday, September 30, President Benson will visit Pittsburgh for a Meet WVU event, continuing these opportunities to connect with alumni, prospective students, and families across the region.
Bears & Blankets Campaign
I’m also excited to share some good news about this year’s Bears & Blankets campaign. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, we’ve raised more than $5,000 and collected over 600 items for patients at WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital!
That’s a huge milestone, but we’re not done yet. To reach our campaign goal, we still need more donations. If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now’s the perfect time! Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide comfort to a child and their family.
If you’d like to contribute, you can find more information and donate here. You can also help by collecting new, store-bought stuffed animals, blankets, or other comfort items through your alumni chapter or community. Every effort counts, and together we can make a real difference.
Homecoming 2025 – October 20-26
And of course, the fall season wouldn’t be complete without Homecoming. Mark your calendars for the weekend of October 24-26, as we welcome Mountaineers from all over back to campus. The parade, alumni gatherings, award recognitions, and game day traditions all come together to make it one of the best weekends of the year.
Whether you’ve been back to Morgantown recently or it’s been a while, Homecoming is the perfect chance to reconnect. I can’t wait to see the campus full of proud alumni and connect with friends old and new. The full schedule of events will be available shortly. Make sure to visit the WVU calendar to see the latest updates.
This season is always a busy and exciting time at WVU, and it’s been wonderful to
see Mountaineers coming together across the state and beyond. We’re grateful for
the continued support and engagement of our alumni community and look forward to
welcoming you back to campus in the months ahead.
Let’s Go!
Kevin Berry (’94, ’95)
WVU Vice President of Alumni Relations
CEO of the WVU Alumni Association, Inc.