As the year draws to a close and the holiday season brings time with loved ones, I find myself reflecting on what truly makes the Mountaineer family special. The past year has been one of connection and gratitude, all made possible by the incredible support of our alumni.
December is a time to pause and look back on the moments that defined the year: alumni coming together across the country, carrying forward WVU traditions, and continuing to strengthen our community. As we close out the year, I’d like to take a moment to look back on some of the standout moments that made 2025 a great year to be a Mountaineer.
Alumni Chapters Keep the Mountaineer Spirit Thriving
Across the country, more than 60 alumni chapters proudly represent our 210,000 living alumni. In 2025, these chapters hosted over 550 events, ranging from football watch parties and golf tournaments to networking events and fundraisers, organized more than 20 service projects giving back to their local communities, and raised over $75,000 in chapter scholarships, continuing a legacy of support that helps shape the next generation of Mountaineers.
A true highlight of the year has been the Bears and Blankets drive, which supports WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital and young patients and their families within our WVU family.
WVU Day of Giving Sets Records
This spring, thousands of alumni came together for the 8th Annual WVU Day of Giving, contributing an astounding $736,407 to the WVU Alumni Association and helping the University reach a record-breaking $46 million total.
Every gift supports scholarships, programs, and initiatives that touch Mountaineers everywhere, and it’s a powerful reminder of the impact alumni can have on the WVU community.
President Benson's ‘Welcome Home’ Tour Connects Mountaineers
In July, WVU proudly welcomed its 27th president, Michael T. Benson. Throughout the summer and fall, we had the privilege of joining President Benson on several stops of his ‘Welcome Home’ Tour, visiting communities across the state, including Charleston, Parkersburg, Logan County, Martinsburg, Bridgeport, and Wheeling.
The tour offered a chance to celebrate our collective Mountaineer pride, share the University’s vision for the future, and hear inspiring stories of WVU's impact on lives across the Mountain State. Learn more about the tour and its behind-the-scenes moments in this feature story.
Hail West Virginia Draws Record Attendance
During the 2025 football season, we saw record-breaking participation at our Hail West Virginia gameday experience, welcoming the largest crowd in the program’s 17-year history! Season membership and mini-pack enrollment both reached all-time highs, reflecting growing enthusiasm among Mountaineer fans.
Members enjoyed elevated perks, including dedicated parking and a pregame reception at the Erickson Alumni Center, just steps from Milan Puskar Stadium.
Welcoming a New Class of WVU Alumni
This weekend, we’ll celebrate one of the most exciting milestones of the year: welcoming the newest class of WVU alumni into the Mountaineer family. Commencement is a time to honor their hard work, dedication, and achievements, and officially bring them into this incredible community of alumni who make WVU so special.
As we wrap up 2025 and look ahead to a new year, we’re grateful for the amazing community that stands with us.
From all of us at the WVU Alumni Association, we wish you a joyful holiday season, a restful close to the year, and a bright, exciting start to 2026.
Let’s Go!
Kevin Berry (’94, ’95)
WVU Vice President of Alumni Relations
CEO, WVU Alumni Association, Inc.