There’s something about spring in Morgantown that just feels like a reset button. The air gets a little warmer, the days stretch a little longer, and you can hear the steady hum of ideas turning into action. It’s that time of year when everything seems to move at once, in the best way possible.
Lately, that energy has been fueled by two big moments for our alumni community: the 2026 WVU Alumni Leaders Institute and WVU Alumni Day of Service.
The Alumni Leaders Institute felt like one of those “refill your cup” kind of experiences. You could sense it in the conversations between sessions, in the note-taking, in the quiet “we should try that” moments that inevitably turn into something bigger. Bringing together chapter leaders from across the country always reminds us that, while everyone’s approach may look a little different, the goal is the same: create meaningful, lasting connections to West Virginia University.
That momentum carries straight into our annual WVU Alumni Day of Service on April 25.
Across the country, alumni are preparing to take part in service projects in their own communities. Some are supporting donation drives, others are joining cleanups or volunteering with local organizations. Each effort reflects what is needed locally, and together they create a collective impact.
Alumni Day of Service is easy to take part in and support. It offers a chance to spend time giving back while connecting with other alumni in a real, hands-on way. A few hours volunteering or a simple donation both contribute to something larger.
It also creates a strong sense of connection. Working alongside other alumni, even for a short time, brings people together around a shared purpose and a shared connection to the University. Want to get involved? Find a service project near you.
Spring is a natural time for this kind of activity. There is already a steady flow of events and outreach, and it is a perfect opportunity to get involved. The ideas coming out of the Alumni Leaders Institute and the focus on service this week are building on each other in a way that keeps things moving forward.
Right now, there is a clear rhythm. Events are taking shape, projects are getting underway, and there are plenty of ways to be part of it. Whether the goal is to reconnect, meet other alumni, or give back, this is a good time to step in and take part with your local chapter.
As we move through the rest of spring and toward Commencement season, the energy only continues to build. It’s a strong stretch for engagement and showing up in ways that matter across the WVU alumni community.
Let’s Go!
Kevin Berry ('94, '95)
WVU Vice President of Alumni Relations
CEO of the WVU Alumni Association, Inc.