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Articles by Emily Zekonis
Morgantown Marathon brings thousands to city
"I started the marathon because I saw a great opportunity for an event to bring people to our state," said Jamie Summerlin, race coordinator. "40% of our participants are from out of state and for many it’s their first time in Morgantown, or West Virginia. I wanted to showcase the beauty in our backyard." The marathon is in its third year and this year more than 1,000 participants are expected to attend.
National movie competition returns to WVU
West Virginia University transforms into a behind the scenes event on Sept. 15 with the fifth year of Campus Movie Fest. "Student should get involved with CMF because it’s an incredible opportunity to get your hands on professional-grade equipment," said Quincy Bazen, Campus Movie Fest Tour Manager.
WVU offers self-care workshops to combat finals stress
As finals week begins, WellWVU begins programming to help students combat pressure and stress through finding a new favorite activity."Self-care, or taking time for yourself to generate some positive experiences, is so important to helping manage stress, either to prevent or reduce it when it’s started," said Audrey Stefenson, Leadership and Education Graduate Assistant for WellWVU.The top concerns for college students include anxiety and depression, as reported by the American...
WVU office of global affairs hosts traditional Thanksgiving for international students
International students were able to get a taste of a true American holiday, thanks to the WVU Office of Global Affairs."[International students] are here to learn about American cultural and traditions so, what better way than to partake in one of the biggest American holidays," said Becky McDaniel, program coordinator for the Office of Global Affairs.
Study abroad gives students more than a chance to see the world
Prospective world traveler, Hunter Moreland, came to WVU with a desire to study abroad. The study abroad program not only helped her travel the world on five different trips, but was a crucial her earning early-decision spot in the WVU School of Pharmacy program."I had a pretty average GPA and a pretty average PCAT score, so the interview portion of the application process is what was going to determine if I got into pharmacy school or not," said Moreland, now a first-year pharmacy student.
Morgantown Stars to perform at WVU women's basketball game
In fall of 2016, WVU special education major, Emily Columbus of Pittsburgh, PA, was able to bring together her two passions, special education and color guard."I wanted to combine my passion for color guard and inspiring others to spin," said Columbus. "I am going to school to be a special education teacher so I just put all my passions together to create the Morgantown Stars."The Morgantown Stars is a special needs color guard group made up of 14 stars ranging in ages from 13 to 40.
WVU student to release EP inspired by childhood, heritage
WVU student, Marissa Bailey, nearly began to sing before she could talk, and now Mon Hills Records is giving her the chance to share her passion with music lovers everywhere.Bailey’s musical experience dates back to her childhood in Clarksburg, West Virginia, where she sings at her church, All Saints, and performed as part of the Italian Heritage Festival.
Festival of Lights returns to WVU
The holiday’s arrive early in West Virginia with the seasonal return of the Oglebay Festival of Lights display.The Festival of Lights is one of the largest in the U.S., stretching over a six mile drive and 300 acres.It has received the honor of being one of the top ten light shows in the nation by AOL Travel. Each year, patrons from all over are drawn to join in the holiday spirit, including those from out of state.
"Science on tap" brings science literacy to Morgantown
Beer and biology find a place to come together with the "Science on Tap" series hosted by WVU graduate students."More and more today non-scientific resources are being accepted as relevant information," said Kimberly Quedado IGERT project manager and NanoSAFE Education Coordinator.
Love Your Melon campus crew fights pediatric cancer
WVU students are using the power of social media to help end childhood cancer right here in Morgantown."Love Your Melon is an apparel brand dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children battling cancer," said Carly Smith, president and founding member of Love Your Melon crew at WVU. "We use the sales of apparel to donate money to our amazing nonprofit partners."The Love Your Melon WVU Campus Crew is made up of about 30 students from all majors.
Mountaineers for Recovery offer sober game day celebration
WVU students and Morgantown community members are invited each week to cheer on the Mountaineers with a few fans who are supportive of more than just their team."We really want students to feel welcome," said Cathy Yura, director of the WVU Collegiate Recovery Program."No one says anything about why you are there.
WVU students to perform with pros for "Verdi's Requiem" concert
University students will have the opportunity to take the stage alongside professionals with the presentation of "Verdi’s Requiem.""The symphony isn’t just reaching out to our community, but they are collaborating with it," said Eftihia Victoria Arkoudis, Morgantown Representative of the West Virginia Students of WVU "WV State University, Fairmont State University and Marshall University will participate in this performance."The performance comes to WVU as part of the orchestras 78th season.
Halloween costume, candy trends of 2017
Halloween has taken over Morgantown with students showing off their unique costumes. But a few costumes will be seen over and over again as they haunt the streets."The most popular women’s costume is Cat Woman from the Dark Knight Rises with Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn coming in close as popular themes," said Ryan O’Connor, marketing director for the Costume Supercenter.
2017-2018 Mountaineer Idol winner is crowned
After weeks of cuts, the final five made it to the finale of Mountaineer Idol to sing for the chance to win a recording contract and $1,000.The Mountaineer Idol top five, Scott Link, Katie Simms, Madison Bertha, Natto Soares, Nae Paugh, took the stage on Sunday to sing three songs.
WVU ASME to host 30th annual pumpkin drop
"WARNING: Many pumpkins are harmed during this event!", says the WVU Chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers in preparation for the 30th annual Pumpkin Drop.The pumpkin drop event began in 1987, created and promoted by ASME members Doug Velegol and Jim Webb.
Medical Mountaineers promote LGBTQ+ inclusion
WVU’s Health Sciences Campus introduces a new week-long celebration of education and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community taking place from Oct. 23 through Oct. 27."This is the first year for our LGBTQ+ Advocacy & Inclusion in Healthcare Week," said Kacie Kidd, resident physician in internal medicine and pediatrics at WVU Medicine and event coordinator.
Peer advocates campaign for prevention
With 11.2% of all college students experiencing sexual assault, WVU will join 95 nationwide organizations to fight against sexual assault on college campuses for It’s On Us Week."This week is important to involve students in WVU’s continued prevention and awareness efforts," said Mariana Matthews, Assistant Director of Prevention Education.
PRT to be packed for pride
A packed PRT is definitely one of a WVU student’s worst nightmares. However, during Mountaineer Week, being squished against your peers is the ideal PRT situation.Each year during Mountaineer Week, eager students arrive outside the Mountainlair for the famous PRT Cram. This year, the cram takes place 4 - 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, in celebration of WVU’s 150th birthday."The PRT Cram started in 1975 when the PRT came to WVU," said Sonja Wilson, the Mountainlair’s senior programming advisor.
West Virginia Quilt Project stitches together history
Pieces of West Virginia history are be stitched together for to remember the state’s past during the West Virginia Quilt Documentation Project’s "documentation days"."The goal of this project is to gather information on pre-1970 quilts that were made orreside in West Virginia," said Sonja Wilson, senior programming advisor for Mountaineer Week.The documentation days will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 21-22 in the Mountainlair as part of the 70th Annual Mountaineer Week festivities.
WVU students go off the rails for Mountaineer Week
For 43 years, the PRT cram event has been a part of WVU’s Mountaineer Week. In honor of the 70 year anniversary of the week-long celebration, this year’s PRT cram will introduce new rules for the competition."We are trying something different this year," said Sonja Wilson, senior programming administrator at the WVU Mountainlair. "We are having a faculty and staff team in the PRT Cram.
WVU students go off the rails for Mountaineer Week
For 43 years, the PRT cram event has been a part of WVU’s Mountaineer Week. In honor of the 70 year anniversary of the week-long celebration, this year’s PRT cram will introduce new rules for the competition."We are trying something different this year," said Sonja Wilson, senior programming administrator at the WVU Mountainlair. "We are having a faculty and staff team in the PRT Cram.
Need-to-Read calls attention to literary crisis
While WVU students may spend their days with their heads in their books, one in five adults in West Virginia could not imagine reading a single printed word."Fifteen-thousand adults in Monongalia and Preston [Counties] cannot read above a fourth grade reading level, and 73 percent of third graders read below grade level," said Sam Donato, representative of Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston County.The nonprofit Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia was created in 1983 by a group of...
LGBTQ studies minor promotes life-long diversity and inclusion
October celebrates LGBTQ history month, a time dedicated to the achievements of LGBTQ icons.
LGBTQ studies minor promotes life-long diversity and inclusion
October celebrates LGBTQ history month, a time dedicated to the achievements of LGBTQ icons.
Need-to-Read calls attention to literary crisis
While WVU students may spend their days with their heads in their books, one in five adults in West Virginia could not imagine reading a single printed word."Fifteen-thousand adults in Monongalia and Preston [Counties] cannot read above a fourth grade reading level, and 73 percent of third graders read below grade level," said Sam Donato, representative of Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia and Preston County.The nonprofit Literacy Volunteers of Monongalia was created in 1983 by a group of...
Mountaineer Talks allows students to influence changes on campus community
West Virginia University’s Blue Ballroom will host a "One Mountaineer Family" conversation to share ideas of creating a more inclusive community."Students should attend Mountaineer Talks to not just hear new perspectives, but truly listen," said Morgan King, WVU senior and event coordinator.
Mountaineer Families Face Off
Teams of WVU students and staff members will test their knowledge of campus diversity to bring honor to their team with One Mountaineer Family Feud.“The event will work just the same as the TV game show,” said Mary Lemine, WVU Talent Strategy's social media specialist.
Title IX sheds light on sexual assault
WVU’s Diversity Week will shed light on the importance of inclusion and acceptance during tough conversations around sexual assault."People with disabilities face higher levels of abuse than the general population," said Samuel Wilmoth, Title IX Education Specialist.
Mountaineer Talks allows students to influence changes on campus community
West Virginia University’s Blue Ballroom will host a "One Mountaineer Family" conversation to share ideas of creating a more inclusive community."Students should attend Mountaineer Talks to not just hear new perspectives, but truly listen," said Morgan King, WVU senior and event coordinator.
What a rush: new WVU Greek Life Director pledges diversity
After years of being a Mountaineer fan, Matthew Richardson brings a fresh perspective as Director of Greek Life to the community that inspired his career."I learned about Greek Life at WVU even though I didn’t go here," Richardson said. "I’ve considered myself a Mountaineer since 2002 when my sister came here."For four years Richardson served as the coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Point Park University, after a short period of working in the school’s residence life.
What a rush: new WVU Greek Life Director pledges diversity
After years of being a Mountaineer fan, Matthew Richardson brings a fresh perspective as Director of Greek Life to the community that inspired his career."I learned about Greek Life at WVU even though I didn’t go here," Richardson said. "I’ve considered myself a Mountaineer since 2002 when my sister came here."For four years Richardson served as the coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Point Park University, after a short period of working in the school’s residence life.
Morgantown community grants wishes
On Sept. 30 Morgantown community members will flood the streets to raise hope and funds for children with life-threatening illnesses."When a wish comes true, it changes the life of that wish child," said Jackie Heroman, regional manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Northern West Virginia.
Morgantown community grants wishes
On Sept. 30 Morgantown community members will flood the streets to raise hope and funds for children with life-threatening illnesses."When a wish comes true, it changes the life of that wish child," said Jackie Heroman, regional manager for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for Northern West Virginia.
Mountaineer Idol Gives Back returns
On Oct. 6, WVU students and Morgantown community members are invited to join Mountaineer Idol for a night of "inspiration" for a greater cause."When I started Mountaineer Idol, we always followed the American Idol rules since we partnered with them and signed off on a contract with them," said Sonja Wilson, senior programming administrator of the WVU Mountainlair.
West Virginia group brings Star Wars to this galaxy
"Some fans are content to collect action figures...other fans want to be action figures" — that is the inspiration for the 501st Legion, a volunteer group of Star Wars enthusiasts committed to community service and promoting the movie they love."The 501st is the worldwide costuming organization for the Imperial side of the Star Wars universe," said Amy Higgs, executive officer of Garrison Corellia.
Bartender school educates students about alcohol consumption
WELLWVU invites students to learn a little more about what is in their drink with their Bartender School program held throughout the year."Bartender school is a program meant to show students what standard serving size is," said Wesley Thomas, a health educator at WELLWVU. "Lots of students have misconceptions about what a serving size is.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, 44,193 Americans lose their lives to suicide annually. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and WVU students are encouraged to revisit the resources for discussion and monitoring mental health."...one in two students will have some serious suicidal thoughts during their time in college," said Lee Swain, director of JED Campus, a suicide prevention program focused on improving mental health programs on college campuses.
WVU marketing alumni to host pioneer session
West Virginia University 2015 marketing graduate, Chris Hickey, will return to WVU to educate students on taking hold of their career path and becoming their own boss during his Pioneer Session to be held on Oct.
WVU students give back with service dog
Man’s best friend becomes man’s best helper with West Virginia University’s "Service Dog Training" courses, A&VS 276."A service dog is a dog that is specially trained to perform a task that is unnatural for the dog to do to help a disability," said Myranda Klein, a teaching assistant for the AVS 276 course."Anyone with a disability who can be helped from a service dog really benefits from a service dog.
National movie competition returns to WVU
West Virginia University transforms into a behind the scenes event on Sept. 15 with the fifth year of Campus Movie Fest."Student should get involved with CMF because it’s an incredible opportunity to get your hands on professional-grade equipment," said Quincy Bazen, Campus Movie Fest Tour Manager.
First healthcare simulation week celebrated by WVU STEPS
A new style of learning for health care professionals is on display by The WVU Center for Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety with the launch of the first Healthcare Simulation Week."This is a global celebration to recognize how simulation makes a difference in education for health care professionals," said Dorian Williams, assistant dean for simulation and technology in medical education. "The main focus is to increase awareness of the technology.
Morgantown Marathon brings thousands to city
"I started the marathon because I saw a great opportunity for an event to bring people to our state," said Jamie Summerlin, race coordinator. "40% of our participants are from out of state and for many it’s their first time in Morgantown, or West Virginia. I wanted to showcase the beauty in our backyard."The marathon is in its third year and this year more than 1,000 participants are expected to attend.
The Gold Rush returns to benefit United Way campaign
Students are encouraged to "go gold" for game day with the return of the 10th annual Gold Rush T-shirt sale benefitting the West Virginia University United Way Campaign."Gold Rush is something that students will remember for the rest of their life," said Abundance Squires Hunt, president of the WVU United Way. "I think something really important about the shirts is that they all have the year of the game. Students can collect these every year and continue to do so as alumni.
Mountaineer Idol returns for Season 14
Mountaineer Idol returns Friday at 8 p.m. for its first pep rally and showcase performance in the Moutainlair Food Court. Join the top 15 contestants for a night of song and guest appearances.Meet another seven of this years contestants:1.
Mountaineer Idol returns for Season 14
This Friday, 15 hopefuls will step into the limelight for a chance to sing their way to victory with the return of West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Idol.Contestants have spent three weeks for a live performance debut on the Mountaineer Idol stage since surviving auditions.
Mandela movie showing Friday in Gluck Theater
Bravery and triumph will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Friday in the Gluck Theater during the African Student Association’s presentation of "Mandela – Long Walk to Freedom: Nelson Mandela Remembered"."I think the aim of the movie is to show the values that Mandela stood for," said Rawlings Akondi, the event coordinator of the African Student Association. "How can we now take his values at the time and apply them to contemporary America, contemporary Africa, and contemporary WVU?
WVU alumni to open equine apparel and tack store
Two WVU alumni are going “A Bit Above” the typical graduate with the opening of their new specialty store here in Morgantown.Samantha Knight Hansen, a journalism graduate, and Diane Gaston, a parks and recreation graduate, have put their degrees and interests together to open a new equine apparel and tack store, A Bit Above, located in the Mountaineer Mall at 5000 Greenbag Rd.“I grew up as an avid horseback rider so the equine and apparel industry has always been a passion of mine,” xKnight...
WVU’s Model UN honored at national confernce
WVU students took on the role of international diplomats for a weekend of high success in New York City.WVU’s Model United Nations Club sent 48 members to attend the National Model United Nations Conference from April 9-13.
Graduate assistantships help with academic and financial success
As graduation draws closer for seniors, scholarships awarded are dropped.A quick search can lead graduate students to believe there are few scholarship resources to offset graduate school tuition, which runs at over $1,000 per credit for a non-resident at West Virginia University.
WVU puppetry program one of three in nation
WVU offers a variety of majors and programs but puppetry may top as the most unique.The Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree program in puppetry is only offered at three universities in the nation, and WVU is one of them.“I came to WVU as a freshman acting major in 2006,” said Kevin Smith, one of the two puppetry students at the University.
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