Cohort 14 - Fall 2025

Vienna Alcure

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because of its community and countless opportunities. As a first-generation college student, it was important to me to find a place that could support me through the college transition. The first time I stepped foot on campus I was welcomed and felt right at home. Thats when I knew that WVU would give me the chance to improve both academically and personally. Soon after I got accepted into the Honors College and made my decision to commit to WVU!

Ruby Amores

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

Growing up, I went to West Virginia University football games in the fall and basketball games in the spring. As a proud West Virginia native, I followed in my family's and friend's footsteps and chose WVU. I wanted to be connected to my West Virginia community and stay close to home among the hills. I chose WVU because I knew I could explore any course of study, be provided with all the resources to succeed, and have my friends and family there to support me.

Troy Galvin Andis

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

WVU was an easy choice because it’s always been home; I grew up a Mountaineer. On top of that foundation, the chance to join Army ROTC, gain hands-on experience with football, and study sport management has made WVU the perfect place to grow academically and personally.

Robert Blayney Butterworth

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because it was the largest university I could attend for in-state tuition. I knew that due to the large student population there would be the most abundant academic and social activities that could better advance me as a student and a person.

Lauren Erwin

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose to attend WVU because this is the campus that I felt most at home in. While attending other college visits, I felt overwhelmed and uncomfortable. When I had my NSO, however, I had an unmistakeable, warm feeling the whole time that made me realize I was meant to go to WVU.

Brooke Lucas

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because of the amount of opportunities the school provided for me as an out of state student. I applied to WVU as a back up option but quickly realized after touring and being on campus that it felt like more than a school but rather a home. I have been able to do so many things just throughout my first year at school. I am so thankful to call WVU my second home and will cherish it forever.

Liam McCarthy

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because it had a wide variety of programs while being close to home and affordable.

Jacqueline Ava Melia

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

When selecting a university, I chose WVU because, having grown up in Morgantown, I have always admired how integrated into the city the campus was and loved seeing the college students and imagined being one. As I grew older, I became fascinated by WVU's research opportunities, particularly as an R1 institution, and its proximity to the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. Therefore, when I settled on a double major in neuroscience and psychology, I could not wait to attend WVU.

Natayah Moten

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

The second I stepped on WVU's campus for the first time on a campus tour back in my freshman year of high school, I knew this was the place for me. I fell in love with the lively environment, beautiful campus, the people and the amazing traditions of the university and state. There are so many opportunities WVU has to offer for their students' growth as a person, leader, scholar, and professional, and that's what I love about it. I was able to find my people and build a community I've never had back in my hometown and I'll always have the university to thank for that. Although I'm not from West Virginia, WVU never fails to make me feel like I belong and that I'm capable of achieving more than I've ever dreamed of. It'll always be my home away from home.

Kalley Shea

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I had toured several other colleges before visiting WVU my senior year but when I stepped on campus, I knew instantly that it was the place for me. I remember telling my mom in the car after the tour, "Yep I'm going here."

Clare Talbott

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

When I was searching for colleges I knew I wanted to go into environmental science. WVU was one of the schools that I knew would give me a lot of opportunities and options within that field. My parents and I also had a saying while I was applying to schools to "love the school that loved me". Throughout my application process at WVU it felt like the faculty were truly trying to get to know me beyond test scores and essays.

Zadie Worley

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU after being offered the Foundation Scholarship, a full ride scholarship that has also allowed me the opportunity to study abroad. Admittedly, WVU was not my first school choice. In high school, I felt too familiar with the university was determined to go somewhere new. However, I was missing much that WVU had to offer. Through my scholarship application process and touring of the university, I felt as if the WVU community truly wanted to help me find my place here. Every person I spoke to was enthusiastic about me becoming a Mountaineer and tried to make me feel welcome, whereas at other universities I was just another number. After being offered the Foundation Scholarship, I knew for certain that I would attend WVU and I have had no regrets. I love being a Mountaineer, have been offered countless opportunities to pursue my interests, and now face no financial burden from attending school.