January 10, 2022
Dear West Virginia University Students, Faculty and Staff,
The late Betty White, who inspired and delighted people of all ages, once said: “Everybody needs a passion. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.”
I am happy to welcome the Mountaineer family back to West Virginia University in 2022 and to encourage each of you to make your own indelible mark on the world, through your work as a student, a faculty member or a staff member.
As always, we have plenty of support in place to help both students and employees discover and fulfill their passions and a huge variety of opportunities to engage in campus life.
Research shows that a sense of belonging promotes achievement and well-being. So, look for ways to connect with others through service, the arts and leadership development activities. In this time when many have been feeling isolated, take advantage of every opportunity to make new friends and strengthen existing bonds.
Above all, do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.
As we like to say around here, “Work smart and play smart.” By following the University’s health and safety guidelines, we can all protect ourselves and each other while enjoying a lively, productive campus experience.
Finding your support network is easy at West Virginia University because our faculty, staff and students form a family—a family whose members celebrate one another, protect one another and cheer one another on to ever-greater accomplishment.
Together, we will make 2022 a launching pad for lives of purpose and passion.
Let’s go!
E. Gordon Gee
President, West Virginia University