WVU’s largest freshman class in history started a Mountaineer journey Sunday at the 2008 University Welcome. It was truly a great day to be(come) a Mountaineer. Current students, faculty, and members of the entire WVU community gathered in the WVU Coliseum to share advice, inspiration, encouragement, and pride.

The National Science Foundation awarded professors Brent McCusker (geography) and Joseph Hodge (history) a $135,000 grant to examine poverty and climate change issues. Additional support from the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences made it possible for undergraduates to assist them with field research in Malawi over the summer.

Biometric systems major Saba Ashfaq spent the summer conducting nanoscale research that ultimately has applications in next-generation biometric systems. Her project was part of the WVNano Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program, which is designed for students who want to pursue graduate research programs in the future.

WVU Press has proven it can compete with powerhouse publishers like W.W. Norton and Harvard University Press. The Potomac Canal, which was ForeWord Magazine’s Silver Winner in the history category, is among WVU Press titles that have received prestigious awards in recent months.

Head football coach Bill Stewart greeted thousands of WVU sports fans – including members of the Mountaineer Maniacs student group – at the annual FanFest pep rally. ESPN The Magazine recently ranked WVU’s student section as the third-most-spirited student section in the nation.