Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Awards
  • Homecoming and Alumni Service Awards

Homecoming and Alumni Service Awards

Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni around the globe, these awards honor individuals who embody what it means to be a Mountaineer.

Homecoming Awards

Celebrating the accomplishments of alumni around the globe, these awards honor individuals who embody what it means to be a Mountaineer. If you or someone you know embodies the Mountaineer spirit, take a moment to submit a nomination through the links below. 

Read More About the 2024 Honorees


The Outstanding Alumni Award

The highest Homecoming honor, the Outstanding Alumni award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated significant loyalty and commitment to advancing the interests of WVU.

2024 Outstanding Alumni Award Honorees: 

Tracy Schoenadel  (BS ‘87, MS ‘89, EdD ‘92) and Laura Boyd  (BS ‘89, MA ‘91)

Nominate an Outstanding Alumni Past Outstanding Alumni

Homecoming Parade Marshal

As part of the annual Homecoming festivities, the WVU Alumni Association selects a noteworthy alum to serve as Homecoming parade marshal.

2024 Homecoming Grand Marshals:

Duncan Lorimer and Maura McLaughlin, WVU Faculty

Nominate a Parade Marshal Past Parade Marshals


Alumni Service Awards


The David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award

Recognizing a WVU graduate for lifelong service to their alma mater, this award was named for David Wood Jacobs who served as director of the Alumni Association for more than 37 years.

2024 David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award Honoree:

Paul Lewis (MS ‘68, PhD ‘73)

Submit Nomination : The David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award Past Recipients : The David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award

The Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award

Named for Margaret Buchanan Cole, founder of WVU’s Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and first woman to serve as president of the Alumni Association, this award honors a WVU alum who graduated within the last 10 years and has provided outstanding service to their alma mater.

2024 Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award Honoree:

Chris Morlock (BA ‘11)

Submit Nomination : The Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award Past Recipients : The Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award

The James R. McCartney Community Service Award

The James R. McCartney Community Service Award recognizes a WVU graduate who has given outstanding citizenship and service to their community.

2024 James R. McCartney Community Service Award Honoree:

Andy Richardson (BA ‘79, JD '82)

Submit Nomination : The James R. McCartney Community Service Award Past Recipients : The James R. McCartney Community Service Award

The Paul B. “Buck” Martin Award

This award recognizes a graduate who has worked to preserve, maintain and promote the traditions of WVU. The award was named for Buck Martin who served as president of the Alumni Association and was the former editor of The Martinsburg Journal and noted WVU historian.

2024 Paul B. "Buck" Martin Award Honoree:

Bill Nevin (MS '06)

Submit Nomination : The Paul B. “Buck” Martin Award Past Recipients : The Paul B. “Buck” Martin Award

The John F. Nicholas Jr. Award

This award recognizes a WVU graduate who has given outstanding service and contributions to a geographic chapter, special interest or school/college alumni group. The award is named in memory of Nicholas, a distinguished WVU alumnus and former chapter leader in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

2024 John F. Nicholas Jr. Award Honoree:

Mallory Willink  (BS ’09)

Submit Nomination : The John F. Nicholas Jr. Award Past Recipients : The John F. Nicholas Jr. Award


For additional information or questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Kevin Berry at  kbberry@mail.wvu.edu.

Get Email Updates

Make sure your email address is up-to-date to receive our newsletter.

Update Your Info