Eberly News

Eight remarkable members of the West Virginia University Class of 2025 who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and by making significant contributions on campus, across the Mountain State and beyond have been honored with the Order of Augusta, the most prestigious University student award.

Most of these students are members of the Honors College and have maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average while working toward their undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines, and all of them are critical thinkers who are poised to address global challenges and drive positive change for a more prosperous society.

The Order of Augusta honorees, who are among 49 students named the WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors, will be recognized at a drop-in event from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, in Elizabeth Moore Hall, Betty Boyd Lounge.

Three West Virginia University students have been awarded the coveted Goldwater Scholarship, the nation’s premier undergraduate scholarship in mathematics, engineering and natural sciences which supports students with strong commitments to research careers.

Juniors Henry Coyle, an aerospace engineering major from Charlottesville, Virginia, Corinne Hazel, an environmental microbiology major from Delaware, Ohio, and Grady King, a data science major from Morgantown, will each receive $7,500 annually for up to two years of undergraduate study to further their research. All three are members of the Honors College.

Sophie Slaughter, a native of Culloden and member of the Honors College, is the recipient of the prestigious annual award given to college juniors with exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to public service. Slaughter, a junior double majoring in history and women’s and gender studies, envisions a future where everyone has what they need to live safe, healthy and self-directed lives.

West Virginia University has recognized five outstanding seniors as the 2024 Mountaineers of Distinction, celebrating their academic achievements and dedication to volunteerism. These students, selected from over 70 nominees, include Haley Bockius, Laasya Chennuru, Mary G. Roush, Christopher J. Smith, and Dakota Swiger. Their contributions to service, leadership, and research, alongside their exemplary academic performance, earned them recognition during the WVU vs. Baylor football game. The Mountaineers of Distinction honor highlights students making significant impacts both on campus and within the community.