News Type: Student

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Area youth are invited to a short concert by the WVWC Marching Bobcats for some ghoulish tunes, sweet treats and a “spooktacular” time.

A brief but festive Halloween Concert by the WVWC Marching Bobcats will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Aside from a smattering of some Halloween—themed tunes, children in costume will be treated to some goodies. 

Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Robert Palmer said, “The opportunity to perform for a younger crowd will be one of the highlights of the season. The band will dress up in their own costumes and let loose for the kids who come. Having performed in concerts like this in the past, I know both the audience and band will have an excellent time!

“Children who come will have the opportunity to showcase their costumes, win prizes, and get some candy at the end. Being the first time we’ve ever done something like this, I’m anxious to see the turnout from the Upshur County community.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  The West Virginia Wesleyan College Department of Theatre & Dance presents a murder mystery whodunnit that would baffle even the greatest detectives:

Three years ago, rising actor Derry Freefall was poisoned onstage during a performance, but her killer was never found. Now, auditions for roles at national theatres from across the nation are interrupted by a murder most ridiculous, and hysteria reigns as egos are unleashed and we see just how good bad actors can be at lying to their audiences! No one is safe as the clues bring us closer and closer to the truth. Oh, the humanity!  Oh, the drama! Oh, the overacting! There’s food, there’s music, there are laughs and zany antics galore as we try to solve one of the craziest mysteries to hit the stage!

The show is written and directed by Dr.  Greg Mach, associate professor, who explained that the show includes scripted and improvised segments so no two shows are the same.

“We started doing these dinner theatre mysteries 10 years ago, and we have such a blast every time,” he said. “It’s a great way to showcase our talent and the great food at these restaurants. The audience has so much fun because they are a part of the action- they have to figure out ‘whodunnit,’ or sit back and laugh while other people figure it all out. Either way, it’s two hours of fun, great food, and great music.”

“Doing these shows helps our students to learn the ins and outs of improvisational theatre. They never know what the audience will say or will ask them, so they have to figure out how to answer in character and in a way that will help their character get away with it, or implicate another character, or just move the plot along. And usually they’ll give us a good laugh along the way.”

Cast members include Makya Bradshaw ’28, of Summersville, West Virginia as ZaZa; Leigh Rice ’28, of Philippi, West Virginia as Mel; Sadie Huynh ’28, of Princeton, West Virginia, as Sam; Kostadena Matina Hartley ’27, of Buckhannon, as KC; Elijah W. Dickey ’27, of Chloe, West Virginia; as Ollie; Rhyan Sebring ’27, of Caldwell, Ohio, as Juice and WVWC’s Director of the MFA Program Dr. Doug Van Gundy as ChaCha.

Stage Manager is Emme Castellow and Hartley is the assistant stage manager and costumes.

Mach added,“Students learn how to build broad characters and play in a variety of spaces, adjusting the show each time they tour the show to a new venue. The Department of Theatre & Dance makes no profit from the shows, but uses them to help local businesses pull in new customers who might not have been to the venue before. It’s a lovely partnership between the C ollege and the local communities.”

Performances:

Nov. 10, 2 p.m.  The Lodge in Alpena, Bowden, WV

Menu:
Strychnine Salad with Fresh Bread
Petite Cyanide Filet
VX Mashed Potatoes
Arsenic Green Beans
Pineapple and Hemlock Upside Down Cake or Sarin Cheesecake
Price: $50

To make reservations, please call 304-636-1470

 

Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., French See Dining Hall at WV Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV (College Community with ID only)

Menu:

Hemlock and Pasta Salad
Strychnine Garlic Bread Sticks
Lasagna (Beef, Cyanide, and Vegetarian)
Nightshade Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans Almondine (for nut allergies)
Tetrodotoxin Cupcakes and Amotoxin Brownies

Price: Free with meal plan, or $11.53 for Wesleyan Community, friends, and family

Phone number/email for reservations: 304-473-8037/theatreboxoffice@wvwc.edu

 

Nov. 15, 6 p.m., The Lunch Box, Elkins, WV

Menu:

Cyanide Salad Bar
Deadly Nightshade Baked Steak”
Tetrodotoxin Mashed Potatoes
Strychnine Green Beans
Arsenic Cobbler
Uranium Tea and Soft Drinks

Price: $35

Info and reservations at: (304) 642–6083

Nov. 16, 6:30pm, Lambert’s Winery, Weston, WV

Menu:
Fresh Strychnine Salad
Chardonnay and Mercury Baked Chicken Breast
Garlic and Cyanide Baby Baked Potatoes
Tetrodotoxin Green Beans
Hot Baked Arsenic Artisan Rolls
Assorted Amatoxins Gourmet Desserts
Pay bar with Domestic Beer and Six Lambert Wines to choose from

Price: $45

Website for reservations:  lambertswinery.com. and  (304) 269-4903

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Faith Yoho ‘26, a junior at West Virginia Wesleyan College, embraced an opportunity in New York City as a Resident Counselor for Barnard College.

This past Summer, Yoho worked for Barnard’s Pre College Program as a resident counselor. This program allowed high school students from around the world to take college classes with Ivy League faculty.

Yoho was responsible for a hall of students ensuring their security and safety along with planning engaging programs for the students. She was also the chaperone of up to 14 students when traveling through the city on subways and buses.

Yoho plans to move to New York City after graduating with a Master’s in Business Administration. She states, “Because I want to move to New York City after my time at WVWC, having the opportunity to live in the city for almost three months was a great experience. My bosses heavily encouraged exploration during our time off, and allowed us to take advantage of incredible opportunities. I was able to navigate the city independently, which is something I had never done before.”

Barnard College is a small campus like the West Virginia Wesleyan College Campus which helped Yoho find comfort and feeling as though she was in her own home among the hills. The campus is located across from Columbia University where Yoho explored the library several times, even looking through the archives that the university holds. 

Yoho states, “I was greatly impacted by this summer. I was surrounded by students and coworkers from all over the country/world. Therefore, I was directly immersed in new cultures that were shared with me. It also greatly impacted my sense of independence, and allowed me to feel more assured in myself as an adult and my future. It was an incredible experience that I am forever grateful for. “

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Hannah Lively, Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College, began the “Lunch Bunch” program at Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to bridge the gap between students in 4th to 5th grade and adults with diverse backgrounds.

Students, including many athletes from West Virginia Wesleyan College, have been visiting Buckhannon-Academy Elementary School to eat lunch and converse with students from diverse backgrounds. 

Raveena Navaglund ‘26, a captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team stated, “Attending the diversity luncheon reminded me how important it is to celebrate our differences and find common ground at a young age. Seeing the kids embrace each other’s cultures with curiosity and respect was truly inspiring. My favorite part was witnessing how open-minded and eager they were to learn from one another and us college students.”

Ella Gomez ‘26, a team captain of the Women’s Lacrosse team, as well, stated, “Attending the luncheon was a wonderful experience. I learned how important it is to provide positive diverse role models for kids at such a young age. 

“My favorite part was when we introduced ourselves and our backgrounds. I was proud to say I came from a biracial family, and relating to the other biracial kids brought a meaningful sense of belonging despite our age difference! I look forward to attending the next one.”

This program was started due to Lively’s vision to bring students with diverse backgrounds together in the community. Young students have the opportunity to engage in intentional, positive interactions. 

Lively, alongside West Virginia Wesleyan College, wants to ensure students are supported and have a safe space at all times. Many hands and hearts have been supporting this initiative within the walls of BAES. Adam White, Principal – BAES, William Squires, – Vice Principal – BAES, Kirsten Coit-Fetty, counselor at BAES, and Jaeneika Westfall, a Buckhannon-Upshur High School alumna, have each been a helpful source in bridging the gap in staff awareness and student support. 

Lively states, “Partnering with WVWC and sharing common goals, roles, and backgrounds can strengthen our community within the education system to prepare all students for successful futures.”

It is Lively’s goal to include topics such as unconscious bias, Diversity vs. Inclusion, and offer Q&A sessions for students. She also hopes to find funding for books that represent cultures and positive messages to include at the visits. This program has sparked parents’ attention which in turn has created a diversity committee at BAES. The committee includes parents and PTO representatives wishing to broaden the reach to all grade levels.

 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  -West Virginia Wesleyan College President Dr. James Moore crowned new Homecoming Royalty during halftime of the WVWC football game Saturday.

Savannah O’Shields ’25, a marketing major from Bethany Beach, Delaware, and Cy Persinger ’25, a business administration and economics major who plans to pursue his MBA in healthcare administration, of Hico, West Virginia, were chosen as this year’s royalty by their peers.

Senior attendants were Sarah McCall ’25, a marketing major from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; Kylie McMillian ’25, a marketing major from Columbus, Ohio; Lydia Phillips ’25, a criminal justice major from Philippi, West Virginia; Remmey Lohr ’25, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, a management major with a double minor in marketing and art; Cayley Symons ’25, of Johannesburg, South Africa, an accounting and economics double major; Shelby Genes ’25, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, an exercise science/Master of Athletic Training student; Bree Moll ’25, a biology major from Craigsville West Virginia;  and Caleb Maxon ’25, of Ravenswood, West Virginia,  a biology and pre-med major.

Abigail Dilly ’26, a business administration and Master of Business Administration student from Lewisburg, West Virginia, was announced as the junior attendant.

Sophomore attendant was Meredith Cottrell ’27, of Elizabeth, West Virginia and a philosophy and political science double major with a minor in legal studies. Kenzie Clutter ’28, of Cameron, West Virginia, was announced as a first-year attendant.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Two West Virginia Wesleyan College School of Nursing juniors have been accepted into the Aspiring Nurses Program through WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and have agreed to start their nursing careers with WVU Medicine upon graduation.

Hailey Pugh ’26, of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, and Emily Tackett ’26 of Cassidy, West Virginia, will receive up to $25,000 over the next two years. Upon completion of nursing school they will then become employed by WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The Aspiring Nurse Program is a program with a formal partnership between hospitals within WVU Health System and students at partnering schools of nursing.  Unlike a scholarship, students in the program receive financial assistance to help with life expenses while in nursing school. The money is intended to be used to support student needs throughout nursing school, which could include school expenses or other life expenses. Each student’s needs will vary, and the student will utilize discretion upon how best to handle the financial support provided by the Aspiring Nurse Program.

In addition to financial assistance, students are paired with a WVU Medicine local liaison to mentor them throughout nursing school and help during their transition to practice as a new RN. The Aspiring Nurse Program is not based on individual financial aid status, but applicants are required to go through an application and interview process. For more information, go to wvumedicine.org/aspiring-nurse-program.

The two WVWC juniors were recognized along with Davis and Elkins senior Madisyn McDaniel.

Pugh said she chose nursing as a way to help others after having positive experiences with those in the health care field.

“I have always had a soft spot in my heart for helping other people,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to be a fixer of all the boo-boos. I really look up to health care professionals who I work with and who I have been taken care of by personally.”

Pugh is completing a nursing externship in obstetrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital and has decided that is where she wants to continue her nursing career.

“It is a big opportunity for me and it’s a big honor,” she said of being selected for the Aspiring Nurses program. “I really appreciate everyone who I have interviewed with and talked with about the program.”

Tackett was inspired to become a nurse both by her grandmother and her love of science in high school.

“My grandma was an in-home care nurse,” she said. “I would listen to her talk about taking care of people and that sparked my interest. I grew up in a really big family, so I was always taking care of a little sibling or cousin.”

Tackett said she wants to become a labor and delivery nurse and the Aspiring Nurses Program will help her achieve her goals.

“It is an honor,” she said. “I’m blessed to have it because it is setting me up to succeed.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – As part of the Homecoming celebration weekend, the West Virginia Wesleyan College Departments of Theatre & Dance and Department of Music present “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. and also Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to curtain and are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors, students or anyone with a WVWC ID. 

Winner of the 2005 Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has charmed audiences across the country, featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the county spelling championship while candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives and hoping never to hear the soul-crushing “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. The musical runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, and is appropriate for “PG” audiences.

Wesleyan’s cast includes senior musical theater majors Ben Long ‘25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, as Chip Tolentino and Sydney Stewart ‘25,  of Barboursville, West Virginia, as Olive Ostrovsky, sophomore English major Amelia Hughes ‘27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as Rona Lisa Perretti, junior musical theater/communications double-major Julius Pretlow ‘26, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as Leaf Coneybear, sophomore acting/directing major Eli Dickey ‘27 of Chloe, West Virginia, as Douglas Panch, sophomore music major Theo Chevalier ‘27 of Philo, Ohio as Carl Dad, senior acting/directing major Ellery Brown ‘24, of Bay City, Michigan as Dan Dad, and freshmen musical theater majors Mallory Szerkoman ‘28, of Charleston, West Virginia, as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre, John Spellman ‘28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, as William Barfee, Adrian Legg ‘28, of Charleston, West Virginia, as Mitch Mahoney, and freshman pre-drama therapy major Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, as Marcy Park.

The production’s stage manager is sophomore arts administration major Christina Green ‘27, of Huntington, West Virginia. Additional crew includes costume designs by sophomore psychology major Kostadena Matina Hartley ‘27, of Las Vegas, Nevada, properties design by senior psychology major Cam McGriff ‘25, of Wilmington, Delaware, sound design by sophomore acting/directing major Rhyan Sebring ‘27, of Caldwell, Ohio, secondary education/math major Anthony Hartley ‘26 of Buckhannon, West Virginia, with lighting design by senior technical theater major Jay Coping-Smith ‘25, and scenic design by David Hartley, Director of Technical Theater. Musical direction is provided by Associate Professor of Music, Dr. R. Daniel Hughes while Adjunct Instructor and Dance Team Coach Lesa Dencklau serves as choreographer. The musical is directed by Professor of Theatre Arts Thomas Schoffler. 

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” is presented by arrangement with and licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI). If you have questions, please contact schoffler_t@wvwc.edu.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – For over 20 years, West Virginia Wesleyan College students have participated in summer research at WVWC, WVU, Marshall University, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and now, the University of Puerto Rico, as part of the West Virginia IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence summer internship programs.

“Students have participated in a wide range of projects with many going on to graduate programs in the biomedical fields,” Professor of Biology Dr. Luke Huggins said. “These opportunities have been an important part of the biomedical training in the Department of Chemistry and Biology and Environmental Science at WVWC.”

This summer, WVWC took its largest group of student researchers to the symposium  with 19 students, four faculty and one alumnus. The 22^nd annual WV_INBRE Summer Research Symposium was held at West Virginia University on July 30.

Omar Sadak ’25 experienced a different culture while investigating the antibacterial activity of unsaturated fatty acids on Acinetobacter Baummannii.

“I spent my first week in Puerto Rico touring all the research sites and facilities in San Juan and found that Puerto Rico is a great contributor to scientific research in all fields and is home to many fascinating discoveries,” he said. “I learned that firsthand while I was working with Dr. Sanabria and essentially found a possible new antibiotic for pneumonia. Throughout my summer, I got to experience just how rich in culture Puerto Rico is – whether it’s the amazing food or the fascinating infrastructure you find in Old San Juan and all around the island.”

Sadie Nichols ’25, explored endoplasmic reticulum oxidase 1 alpha (ERO1A), a glycoprotein responsible for oxidative protein folding and its role in non-small cell lung cancer.

“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and accounts for more deaths than colon, breast and prostate cancers combined, “she said. “With the staggering high number of lives lost each year due to this horrific disease, I chose this project as it revealed promising preliminary patient data, suggesting that this research in Morgantown, West Virginia, could potentially play a significant role in helping patients suffering with lung cancer.”

Nichols said, “Not only did I gain an immense amount of knowledge on ERO1A, lung cancer, and my project, but I was also able to learn a multitude of lab techniques and writing skills. I was able to become a better critical thinker and presenter. Even animal handling and care, time management and people skills all became prominent qualities I was able to improve on with my time in the WV-INBRE program. I can confidently say that I entered the program as a modest undergraduate student preparing for my senior year and emerged fully prepared for any graduate school and demanding career.”

Sadek also emphasized his time in the program saying that he learned how he needed to perform at the highest level.

Other students presenting at the symposium were: Megan Brozik, Caitlynn Sherman, Nicholas Evans, Gabriel Paxton, Elijah Hanning, Annalise Gentilozzi, Madison Looker, Conner Hollen, Caleb Mazon, Raveena Navalglund, Kyan Gillespie, Bree Moll, Srikiran Nandigama, Sadie Nicholas, Autumn Russell, Isaac Yoneda, Abigail Patterson and Jack Monk. Hayden Hess ’23, a graduate student now at West Liberty University also presented.

Huggins and WVWC faculty Dr. Bruce Anthony, Dr. Charlie Chen and Dr. Melanie Sal also attended the symposium.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 21 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College has announced its President’s List and Dean’s List students for the Spring 2024 semester.

President’s List is composed of students who earned a 4.0 for the semester while completing at least 12 semester hours with no incomplete grades. The full list of students achieving President’s List honors can be found here.

Students who have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the semester, while completing at least 12 semester hours with no incomplete grades are eligible for the Dean’s List.  Those students achieving Dean’s List honors can be found here.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Three West Virginia Wesleyan College communication majors attended the Eastern Communication Association Convention held in March in Boston, Mass. The students submitted seven submissions and earned all seven acceptances into the convention.

Danica Propst ’26, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was accepted for “Fourth-Wave Feminism on Social Media and Generation Z” based on her work in the Ledford Scholars program, and  “Magic, Dragons and Postmodern Feminism: How Female Authors are Taking Over Bestselling Lists in Previously Male-Dominated Genres.

Chloe Sotomayor ’24, of Spencer, West Virginia, submitted “We got the Pynk: Reclaiming Femininity and Sexuality Through Black Queer Artists and “Life is Plastic, It’s Fantastic (When You’re White): Analyzing White Feminism in The Barbie Movie.”

Faith Yoho ’26, of New Martinsville, West Virginia,, presented “When You Wish Upon a Star….Have Live-Action Remakes Gone Too Far: Exploring the Racial Connotations Behind Claiming “POC Representation” Within Recycled Media.”

In addition, Propst’s poster presentation “The Hunger Games and Hegemony: The Politics of Panem” and Yoho’s “This is the skin of a toxic male, Bella!”: Observing Toxic Masculinity Within Young Adult and Romance Novels” were both accepted.

Dr. Nancy Bressler, chair of the Department of Communication,  gave two research presentations at ECA entitled “Those Were the Days”: The Legacy of Norman Lear” and “I Don’t Care If You Think I’m Good at This or Not Anymore. I Care About Whether or Not I Can Make a Change”: The Influence of Quinta Brunson and Feminist Humor.” Bressler also taught a short course on media literacy and diversity, as well as a teaching activity entitled “Listen To the Song Here in My Heart”: Exploring Ways to Improve Listening and Provide Feedback.”

The Communications Department and Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society hosted the students at the end of the semester to present their research to fellow students and faculty/staff.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2023 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan seventh in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.