The WVU Alumni Association is accepting nominations for the 2025 Homecoming and Alumni Service Awards. This annual tradition honors Mountaineers who exemplify excellence, leadership and service to West Virginia University and their communities.
These awards celebrate alumni across the globe who embody what it truly means to be a Mountaineer. Honorees will be recognized during the Homecoming Parade on Oct. 24, and at halftime of the WVU vs. TCU football game on Oct. 25.
Notable past recipients include Dr. Patrice Harris, Kittie Blakemore, Sam Huff, Bobby Bowden, Natalie Tennant and Elaine McMillion Sheldon.
If you or someone you know lives out the Mountaineer Values with passion and purpose, we encourage you to submit a nomination in one of the following awards:
Homecoming Awards
Outstanding Alumni Award
As 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.
Homecoming Parade Marshal
As part of the annual Homecoming festivities, the WVU Alumni Association selects a noteworthy graduate to serve as Homecoming parade marshal.
Alumni Service Awards
David W. Jacobs Lifetime Service Award
Recognizing a WVU graduate for lifelong service to their alma mater, this award is named for David Wood Jacobs, who served as director of the Alumni Association for almost 40 years.
Margaret Buchanan Cole Young Alumni Award
Named for Margaret Buchanan, founder of the WVU Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and the first woman to serve as president of the Alumni Association, this award honors a WVU alumnus/alumna who graduated within the past 10 years and has provided outstanding service to their alma mater.
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.
Paul B. “Buck” Martin Award
This award, named for Buck Martin, recognizes a graduate who has worked to preserve, maintain and promote the traditions of WVU. Martin served as president of the Alumni Association, as well as editor of The (Martinsburg) Journal and remains a noted WVU historian.
John F. Nicholas Jr. Award
Recognizing a WVU graduate who has given outstanding service and contributions to a geographic chapter, special interest or school/college alumni group, this award is named in memory of Nicholas, a distinguished WVU alumnus and former chapter leader in the Washington metro area.
We look forward to honoring those who carry the spirit of WVU into their daily lives and inspire others to do the same. Let’s celebrate those who make us proud to call ourselves Mountaineers.
Nominations for the 2025 Homecoming and Alumni Service Awards must be submitted by July 11 through this form.
For additional information or questions regarding the nomination process, please contact Kevin Berry at kbberry@mail.wvu.edu.