Alumni Blog

Getting connected through networking/mentoring program

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:26:00 EST

During the past few months, I have had the opportunity to speak with students, new graduates and alumni about a whole host of issues ranging from football to the new president to our beautiful new Erickson Alumni Center.

But one thing that I keep hearing from many of you is the need for more mentoring and networking opportunities among alumni and students. And this is not something new. In previous surveys that we’ve done, alumni often responded that one way they feel they can give back is by mentoring students, as well as alumni who are looking for a friendly Mountaineer to bounce ideas off of.

We have been working with the WVU Career Services Center to develop a networking program that will give our alumni what they want and need, while also providing students with a list of alumni who are willing to share their expertise and guidance. This partnership has led to the activation of a mentoring/networking program in “MountaineerTRAK” through Career Services.

I logged on and signed up for my networking account through MountaineerTRAK this week, and you should too. All you have to do is go to: http://www.myinterfase.com/wvu/mentor/ and select the “Click here to register” button. You will fill out the form and answer a few questions (it took less than 10 minutes).

What is great about this program is that you design it for you. You set the parameters. If you can only offer to help one student, then you can note that on the form. You also can pick how you want to communicate (via e-mail, phone, etc.) and how often you want to communicate with a student. It really seems to be flexible, and you dont’ have to make a big time commitment. We just want it to be a meaningful commitment.

But for this networking/mentoring program to be successful, we need your help. We want to build a database of Mountaineers so that when an interested student or alumnus/a signs on to find a mentor, he/she will find a whole host of alumni who are interested in helping them succeed. Additionally, you might connect with a fellow graduate who is looking to make a career change or moving to your area, and just needs some friendly advice. This is what MountaineerTRAK is all about – connecting our graduates and students, no matter where they may live..

The support and sense of community of the WVU family is one of the things that make me most proud. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to your alma mater. I hope you will carve out a little time to help a fellow Mountaineer by signing up for this wonderful networking/mentoring program.

I know many of you are already connecting with graduates and students. We would love to hear your stories. Please feel free to post them or e-mail them to us at alumni@mail.wvu.edu!

Let’s Go Mountaineers!

Steve
President & CEO, WVU Alumni Association

Mountaineers make history

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:55:21 EST

If there was ever a time to “Be a Mountaineer,” Saturday, December 27, 2008, was the day! Two major wins in football and basketball were belated holidays gifts that once again perched WVU on the national stage.

The Mountaineers, led by Pat White, engineered a wonderful fourth quarter, come from behind gird-iron victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels, 31-30, before a record crowd at the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. The game was described by area media as one of the best, thrilling bowl games ever.

The seniors on the WVU football team set a record by becoming the winningest class in Mountaineer history. Pat White was selected the Meineke Car Care Bowl’s MVP, and he became the only college quarterback to start and win four consecutive bowl games. This group of extraordinary young men once again showed the nation what it means to be a Mountaineer.

I was so proud to be a part of the bowl experience and to have the opportunity to watch, with thousands of fans, this great feat. We saw many new faces this year, which is always exciting for me. Many Mountaineer families traveled together to experience a WVU bowl game first hand. One of WVU’s newest fans, Interim President Dr. Peter Magrath, enthusiastically cheered our team to victory from the stands. Dr. Magrath certainly has embraced his Mountaineer spirit and has become one of our biggest cheerleaders. Joining President Magrath in celebration was one of our own, WVU Board of Governors Chair Carolyn Long of Braxton County. The 25,000 plus Mountaineer fans made as much noise as our counterpart Tar Heels who had approximately 40,000 faithful in attendance. The consensus from both sides was that this was a well played game worth the price of admission and more.

As I looked out among the sea of gold and blue in the stadium, it was very emotional. People often say this it is difficult to explain the sense of pride that you have as a WVU graduate, and that certainly was true this weekend. Hearing the crowd sing Country Roads as the team celebrated on the field was just another example of the strength and pride of our great University. We congratulate Coach Stewart, his assistant coaches and all of the men and women who helped lead our team to another thrilling victory.

I hope you will take a few minutes to visit WVU BowlSpace—http://bowlgame.wvu.edu/—where you can leave your own words of congratulations to this amazing team. I’m sure many of you caught some of your favorite moments on film, and we would love to share those pictures on our Web gallery. Please send your favorite photos to Tara Curtis at tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our alumni and friends in Charlotte for their great hospitality. What a wonderful time we had in your beautiful city! From bowl events and activities to the great southern hospitality, everything was simply fantastic. It was another memorable experience for everyone.

Thanks to everyone who was a part of this superb effort over a busy and condensed two-day period of time. Our alumni staff, as well as many WVU staff members and volunteers, worked tirelessly to bring the best of Charlotte to WVU alumni and friends from across the country. Many had to be away from their families during the holidays, and we appreciate their efforts to make the bowl game a great event.

Topping off the wonderful Saturday was a basketball victory by the Mountaineers over the Ohio State in the hostile territory of Columbus, Ohio. Coach Huggins and his team got a very impressive win, beating the Buckeyes by nearly 30 points. Many fans in Charlotte watched the game from every venue possible in the surrounding area. Our spirits were further raised by this great win! Congratulations to the WVU basketball team! We look forward to another exciting season.

We were excited that so many new faces turned out for the bowl game. We hope that you will stay involved with the University through the Alumni Association. There are many opportunities for you to be involved, and I encourage you to continue to be an advocate for WVU as we move forward into the New Year. Best wishes for a safe holiday.

Always a Mountaineer,

Steve Douglas

P.S. – Thanks to everyone for a GREAT time!!

Greetings from Charlotte

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:01:00 EST

WVU alumni and friends traveling to support their Mountaineers in bowl games has become a part of our culture. This year’s bowl experience is no exception with approximately 25,000 old gold and blue faithful descending upon the North Carolina business hub. I’d like to have a dollar for every ‘Flying WV’ car flag I’ve seen along the way heading south on I-77 to Charlotte.

Tamarack in Beckley once again was a welcome stop for many Mountaineer fans heading to the Queen City.

The throng of WVU supporters are expected to pack Charlotte within the next 24 hours.

The City of Charlotte has drastically changed since WVU’s last appearance in the inaugural bowl in 2002. The uptown section of Charlotte is filled with many eateries and attractions. A new sports arena and convention center anchor the center of the city complete with a signature NASCAR high rise building.

You don’t have to go far in Charlotte to spot a WVU fan in game time regalia. As a matter of fact, the ‘Let’s Go Mountaineers’ chant is featured across every uptown block with a smile.

Oh well, I’m off to launch the opening of Mountaineer Connection along with thousands of my fellow WVU supporters. The event, held at the EpiCentre, lasts from 1 – 7 pm on December 26, 2008,in the Uptown area of Charlotte next to Meineke Car Care Bowl Street Festival located at Trade and Tryon Streets.

And, remember to wear your GOLD while at the Bowl in Charlotte. – Steve Douglas

Charlotte area offers fun for all

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:05:00 EST

Greetings from Charlotte!

As President of the Charlotte Chapter and a proud WVU graduate, it is my pleasure to “blog” with my fellow Mountaineers! Our alumni are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Queen City for the 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl.

Charlotte is a great city for visitors, and we wanted to provide you with a quick run down of some of the activities you may want to try or some of the places you may want to visit. To simplify things, we’ve broken down the city into five areas: Uptown (our Downtown), University/Concord Area, South Charlotte, Ballantyne and Lake Norman/Davidson.

Uptown is where many of you will be participating in fan activities surrounding the bowl. Here, you’ll find the EpiCentre where you can dine at BlackFinns, an upscale sports restaurant; take in the nightlife at Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Whiskey River, Suite (a “big city” style club), or Howl at the Moon, a dueling piano bar and dance club. Later in the evening, visit one of the many restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs on North Tryon, 5th Street and North College Ave., which includes Alley Cat and Forum. There is something for everyone’s tastes.

If you’re interested in taking in a movie, there is a new five-screen movie theater complex at the EpiCentre. Discovery Place is a great place to take the family for the museum or an IMAX movie, or, you can put on your skates and hit the ice at the Ice Rink on The Green on South College St.

The University /Concord area features many local restaurants, including Boardwalk Billy’s (University Place), Stool Pigeons (Tryon St.), and Bad Dogs Burgers (University Place). If you are staying in or visiting this area, you may want to visit Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Concord Mills Outlets, or one of the great neighborhood hangouts like Iron Thunder. The kids (big and small) may want to check out the go kart racing and games.

If you’re interested in doing some upscale dining or shopping, then South Charlotte is where you want to be. Located in the Fairview area, you’ll find South Park Mall with over 100 retailers including Tiffany’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom’s. You can dine there or at nearby Phillips Place with The Palm, one of the great steakhouses located in this area. Visitors may also want to try the Piedmont Center on Fairview which features Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, a commonplace for celebrity sightings. The Village Tavern also offers great food in a friendly atmosphere.

At Ballantyne Village there is a movie theater complex and restaurants like Villa Antonio, Village Bistro, Silara Bistro and Dessert Lounge. Across the street is the home to the Ballantyne Resort which includes a great spa and public golf course.

Located just off Interstate 77 is the Lake Norman/Davidson area. Here you will find great local places, including Brickhouse Tavern, Toast Café, Sabi (Asian) and North Harbor Club (just off Exit 30). Further down I-77 (Exit 28), be sure to check out the great shops and tasty restaurants such as The Rusty Rudder, Galway Hooker, and Sushi 101. If you’re still ready for more shopping, head to Birkdale Village (Exit 25) and then on to Red Rocks Café for a bite to eat you may even see some of your NASCAR drivers here.

Getting around Charlotte is easy. In addition to access to major highway and interstates, we have the Lynx rail system which can help you get around the city. You can find out more about the Lynx at http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/CATS/LYNX/home.htm. If you’re staying in the Ballantyne and Pineville areas, you might want to park at I-485 parking garage located on South Blvd. (free parking!) and ride the Lynx. For those of you who might be staying at South Park hotels, you can park free at the Tyvola station parking lot on Friday, as well as game day Saturday. The Lynx will drop you off in Uptown near the stadium. The Lynx will run until around 1 a.m. A roundtrip ticket is $2.80.

For more information, check out the Chamber of Commerce’s Web site—http://www.charlottechamber.com/ – or the Charlotte’s Got A lot site—http://www.charlottesgotalot.com/.

I can’t wait to see Gold and Blue take over our city. Our alumni and friends are so proud to welcome the Mountaineer nation to Charlotte as we prepare to cheer our team on to victory and make this senior class the winningest class in WVU football history. Let’s Go Mountaineers!

Mike Petruski

Great activities planned for alumni and friends in Charlotte

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:19:00 EST

In about two weeks, the Mountaineer faithful will be descending upon Charlotte for the 2008 Meineke Car Care Bowl. As always, we have some fun events and activities planned for you.

The WVU Alumni Association and the University have mapped out a number of things for you to do while in the Queen City.

If you’re traveling through the Mountain State along I-64/I-77, be sure to stop by Tamarack on Dec. 26 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to grab a refreshment, pick up a free WVU gift item, rally with fans and pick up a special bowl edition of the Beckley Register-Herald.
Once in Charlotte, make sure you stop by the RBC Bank Street Festival on the 26th from 11 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Here you’ll find interactive games and rides, live entertainment, team appearances, food and beverage vendors, cheerleader and band performances, merchandise, sponsor giveaways, face painting and more. The Meineke Car Care Bowl’s Web site offers more information, along with other planned events, on their Web site—http://meinekecarcarebowl.com/events/index.html.

Our popular “Mountaineer Connection” will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Charlotte’s Epicentre (210 Trade Street). This unique event will highlight favorite Mountaineer traditions with special activities including a grand opening performance by the Pride of West Virginia Marching Band, appearances by the Mountaineer and WVU cheerleaders, special photo opportunities, Mountaineer karaoke, and interactive games. Limited gold and blue giveaways will also be available to fans. For more information about the Mountaineer Connection, visit: http://bowlgame.wvu.edu/fan_events.

We’ve also partnered with local businesses to provide some special discounts. Specialty food and beverage concessions are available at nearby Blackfinn, Suite, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Whiskey River – including a $10 buffet option and special menu selections. You’ll also be able to watch Mountaineer football highlights and maybe you’ll even brave a ride on the mechanical bull.

You won’t want to miss the pep rally. We’ll gather at the Epicentre at 4:30 p.m. where we’ll have some special giveaway as you leave the festivities. The Pride of West Virginia will lead Mountaineer fans to the official pep rally which begins at 5 p.m. We’ll cap off the evening with a special broadcast of the West Virginia Statewide Sportsline at 6 p.m. at the Epicentre.

The Association is pleased to bring to you once again “Chalk Talk” with Tony Caridi on the morning of the game. Tony will provide us with an insider’s view of the bowl game. To reserve your spot for this special brunch, visit http://www.WVUSportsTravel.com.
Next week, Mike Petruski, our president of the Alumni Association’s Charlotte Chapter, will be our guest blogger. Mike and his fellow chapter members are going to give you the bird’s eye view of the city and provide some tips and “must sees” while visiting the city.
Don’t forget to check out WVU BowlSpace—http://bowlgame.wvu.edu/. This is a great site for your bowl information, and it’s a great way to share your kudos to the team. As Mike Bragg says in his post, “The whole state is behind you, go out and show the nation what we see every Saturday and prove that no matter how big the odds, we can overcome.”
Counting down the days until we leave for Charlotte! Let’s Go Mountaineers!

Mountaineers share tales of Country Roads

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:58:00 EST

As a native West Virginian, songs like “West Virginia Hills” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” have always had special meaning. But for reasons that I find hard to explain, the latter has been particularly special. I’m not sure if it is because it’s the references to the strength of the people of this great state, memories of the band performing on Mountaineer Field, or the sights and sounds that come to mind when I hear this song, but it always seems to follow me.

A few months ago, I was talking with a Dell tech support specialist in India regarding a problem with my computer. When asked where I lived, I of course told him “West Virginia” in which he immediately replied, ‘Oh, Country Roads take me home’ I couldn’t help but smile. Last fall, I met a graduate student from Brazil whose father was a huge John Denver fan. He told me how happy his father was that he would be attending WVU and began serenading him with “Country Roads”. I also learned of a Japanese film titled, “Whisper of the Heart,” where a young girl translates and rewrites the words to, yes, you guessed it, John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” This spring, Bill Danoff, one of the writers of the song, made an appearance during former President Bill Clinton’s visit to Morgantown where he and hundreds of other Mountaineer faithful sang the song under rainy skies (which magically turned to blue after the singing of the song). The season finale of “My Name Is Earl” wrapped up with, yes, correct again, “Country Roads” – both the original version and a Jamaican remake with a little “West Jamaica” mixed in.

I know John Denver never visited West Virginia before writing the song, and maybe the Blue Ridge Mountains run more through Virginia than West Virginia, but it still remains special to many of us and will always be part of who we are as Mountaineers. As Ken Bell (‘90) wrote,”We all want someone or something to ‘take us home,’ whether it refers to returning to our roots or getting away from it all,” and “Country Roads” allows us to do that.

So, as the cosmic universe of “Country Roads” descended upon me, I had to ask others: What is it about this song that makes it so special? Alumni, parents, students and friends of WVU have written us to share their amazing stories. We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we did.

Tara Curtis
BS ‘93, MA ‘00

Mountaineers prepare to travel near and far for bowl game

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:19:53 EST

Happy holidays my fellow Mountaineers! The football team arrived in Arizona, and they are gearing up to take on the Sooners in the 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Our travel group will be leaving from Clarksburg on Sunday, and everyone is excited about the trip. We will arrive in Phoenix on December 30 and return on January 3. WVU alumnus David Alvarez of Bridgeport will once again be equipped with his customary West Virginia pepperoni rolls which serve as a good luck charm for the Mountaineers. (We are 2-0 since Dave started this new tradition.)

For nearly 20 years, the WVU Alumni Association has been sponsoring official trips to bowl games. This year, WVU has come full circle with our participation in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The first official trip occurred with an appearance by Coach Don Nehlen?s fantastic 1988 WVU football team versus the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The growth of the metropolitan area certainly has changed the landscape of Phoenix since our last visit. Alumni and friends still revel at the WVU Alumni Association pre-game party at Rawhide 19 years ago. The event was attended by 7,500 Mountaineers and consisted of a rodeo, Mountaineer Marching Band concert, and steak fry.

While we not be re-living Rawhide, we do have some new and exciting events planned. You will want to stop by the ?Mountaineer Connection? at the popular Garduno?s restaurant in Scottsdale on Jan. 1st. The event will feature Mountaineer highlight videos, food specials, giveaways and special appearances by the WVU Pep Band, cheerleaders and Mountaineer Brady Campbell. The event will take place from noon to 8 p.m.

Holiday travel and WVU bowl game appearances have been a perfect combination for many alumni and friends over the years. Velma Brinkley of Clarksburg is particularly excited about this bowl game and wants everyone to join her in Arizona. Velma, age 85, is one of the many Mountaineers who will be making the trek across the country to support our WVU team. ?Our boys need some encouragement this year more than ever,? she says. ?I?ve been going to see the Mountaineers in bowl games in more years than I want to admit, and it?s still not too late for Mountaineer fans to cheer on the team at the Fiesta Bowl.?

WVU alumni Jim and Pat Ellis of Sunset Beach, SC, are perennial followers of the Mountaineers. Jim regularly travels to WVU home and away games, often making the long journey from South Carolina to support the team. He and Pat enjoy catching up with fellow alumni and friends while meeting new fans at every bowl game.

Likewise, we have been pleased to have Bob and Carol Ochletree of Parkersburg join us for many of our travel trips. The Pennsboro natives get so excited about the trips that they start a ?countdown to the bowl trip? by checking off the days on the calendar.

In the past week, I have received many calls from alumni and friends eager to support the team. The Kanawha Valley Chapter, with the help of local businesses, will be getting signatures and notes of support for a special banner which will be sent to the football team in Arizona. If you are going to the WVU-Oklahoma basketball game on Saturday, be sure to stop by to sign the banner. This is a great way to show your support, even if you can?t be there in person.

Don?t forget to visit our special Web site ? WV Bowlspace (http://bowlgame.wvu.edu/) ? for more information on WVU events and activities surrounding the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. So, to all Mountaineers, don your best gold and blue and get ready to yell, ?Let?s Go Mountaineers.?

Mountaineers We Meet

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:09:16 EST

Greetings my fellow Mountaineers! As all WVU alumni and friends are aware, the Mountaineers will be heading to another exiting BCS bowl game for the 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Ariz., on January 2.

As a part of the WVU bowl experience, I?m excited to be keeping you involved in the day-to-day activities in the weeks leading up to and including the bowl game. I hope my report back to you will give you a ?hometown? feel as I meet many the Mountaineers who have traveled near and far to cheer our team to victory over the Oklahoma Sooners.

The greater Phoenix area will provide a number of different options for Mountaineer travelers interested in attending the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Air fares are still abundant from nearby major metropolitan airports and generally run in the $300 to $500 range.

Most activities for Mountaineer fans will be centered in the Scottsdale section of the Phoenix Metro Area. The team headquarters will be the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, while the WVU alumni headquarters will be just up the road at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch.

For daily updates on Tostitos Fiesta Bowl coverage, please visit ?WV BowlSpace? (http://bowlgame.wvu.edu/) ? a social networking community where Mountaineer fans can gather from all points around the globe to get information about activities and events surrounding the bowl, show support for the team, post your favorite WVU photos or share your special WVU stories of home.

The Mountaineer football team has participated in 20 post season bowl games since the 1972 season. For four decades, the holiday season and travel to bowl game has been synonymous with WVU fans across the country.

West Virginia University has enjoyed a storied reputation of its supporters traveling across the country to back their team. I?ve had the good fortune as a student, and now as a WVU alumnus, to participate in 19 of those 20 contests. I?m sure my attendance at bowl games is not an exception for many alumni and friends. That?s the case for R.A. ?Big Cat? Soccorsi of Morgantown who will be attending his 16th WVU bowl game with pride. ?Big Cat? will be in the Valley of the Sun beside student members of the Mountaineer Maniacs where he serves as an honorary member.

On our travels and through our day-to-day interactions, it?s hard not to find a Mountaineer connection. Recently, members of the Fiesta Bowl Committee were in Morgantown to meet with alumni and fans. The committee chairman, Dick Stemple, was born and raised in Webster Springs, WV. Dick?s nephew, John Stemple, was the Mountaineer mascot from 1994-95, so he is very excited to have West Virginia University representing his home state in Arizona. Dick would love to hear from the Mountaineer faithful, so be sure to e-mail dickstemple@cox.net.

Whether you are at home cheering for the team or joining us in Arizona, we hope you will continue to show your Mountaineer pride no matter where you may be. So tell me, what?s your favorite bowl game memory? Who have you reconnected with on your travels?

Let?s Go Mountaineers!