Students who have exceeded classroom boundaries and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to solving complex global challenges and serving others—among them a distance learner with autism, a gymnast and an alternate Mountaineer Mascot—will receive West Virginia University’s highest student honor, the Order of Augusta.
“WVU looks forward each year to recognizing its top graduates with the Outstanding Senior award and the Order of Augusta,” said Maryanne Reed, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “These students have already shown exceptional leadership, compassion and a commitment to service at the collegiate level. They are – without question – poised to lead positive change in local communities and around the world.”
A majority of the 2020 Order of Augusta scholars are members of the WVU Honors College.
“Our outstanding seniors are the best of the best, showing both academic achievement and the determination and adaptability of true Mountaineers,” said Dean of Students Corey Farris. “We look forward to their successes, knowing they are positioned to make a difference beyond campus while carrying the Mountaineer spirit with them.”
These eight students all represent the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences are among 49 students named WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors.
Noor Dahshan, a member of the Honors College from Charleston, will graduate with a degree in biology. She serves as senator for the Student Government Association, a Presidential Student Ambassador and has served a two-year terms as a former president of the Muslim Student Association.
Thaiddeus Dillie, a member of the Honors College from Weirton, will graduate with a degree in biochemistry (ASBMB track) and a minor in business administration. He serves as a student ambassador for the Division of Student Life, peer mentor for the WVU Honors College and Student Government Association representative for the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.
Abigail Kaufman, from York, Pennsylvania, will graduate with a in degree exercise physiology and a minor in medical humanities and health sciences. She is a member of the WVU Gymnastics Team, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and serves as a leader with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Caroline Leadmon, a member of the Honors College from Hurricane, will graduate with degrees in biochemistry and animal and nutritional sciences. She has served as the president and student coach of the WVU Figure Skating Club, president of the WVU Global Medical and Dental Brigades and was named the 2019 Ms. Mountaineer.
Morgan McCardell, a non-traditional student and student parent from Martinsburg, has earned her Regents Bachelor of Arts. A distance learner, she is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and the Mortar Board Senior Honorary.
Kristin Ruddle, from Brandywine, will graduate with degrees in biology and psychology. She serves as an ambassador for the WVU Tobacco- and Smoke-Free Campus, mentor for first-generation students and a member of the National Society Collegiate Scholars.
David Sokolov, a member of the Honors College from Morgantown, will graduate with degrees in biology and mathematics. He has served as a teaching assistant for the Department of Mathematics, a mentor for the Math Boot Camp and a member of the student advisory committee for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.
Lindsey Zirkle, a member of the Honors College for Charleston, will graduate with degrees in International studies and English. She is a former vice president of community relations and vice president of campus affairs for the Beta Iota chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity and a student delegate for the Model United Nations Club.
