Service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation. By now, you are
probably familiar with these words that describe West Virginia University’s values.
But, as the video series we are concluding today has shown, our values are not just words. They are not mere aspirations. They are actions, and the University family brings them to life every day.
You may serve as you save lives in our hospitals and rural clinics, as you help flooding victims in Mannington or Rainelle or as you take state-of-the-art training to first responders around the state.
You may nurture curiosity in our students or in school children such as those who attended engineering and business camps in Morgantown or the National Scout Jamboree in Fayette County this summer.
You may show respect by helping us build a diverse and inclusive community or by modeling the free and thoughtful exchange of ideas.
You may demonstrate accountability by helping us to bust bureaucracy and by working as efficiently and effectively as possible to advance education, health and prosperity.
You may help us show appreciation as we celebrate our successes, find new ways to reward excellence and honor all those who make our work possible.
The great German writer Goethe once said, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”As these videos have shown, we are doers.
For 150 years, our values have empowered us to change lives. As we prepare to start a new academic year, let us all recommit to living these values as we transform West Virginia and the world.
But, as the video series we are concluding today has shown, our values are not just words. They are not mere aspirations. They are actions, and the University family brings them to life every day.
You may serve as you save lives in our hospitals and rural clinics, as you help flooding victims in Mannington or Rainelle or as you take state-of-the-art training to first responders around the state.
You may nurture curiosity in our students or in school children such as those who attended engineering and business camps in Morgantown or the National Scout Jamboree in Fayette County this summer.
You may show respect by helping us build a diverse and inclusive community or by modeling the free and thoughtful exchange of ideas.
You may demonstrate accountability by helping us to bust bureaucracy and by working as efficiently and effectively as possible to advance education, health and prosperity.
You may help us show appreciation as we celebrate our successes, find new ways to reward excellence and honor all those who make our work possible.
The great German writer Goethe once said, “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”As these videos have shown, we are doers.
For 150 years, our values have empowered us to change lives. As we prepare to start a new academic year, let us all recommit to living these values as we transform West Virginia and the world.
E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University