Year-end Celebration marks new beginning for WVU Public Health graduates

West Virginia University School of Public Health students, faculty and staff joined together Thursday (April 25) afternoon to honor outstanding achievements during its annual Year-end Celebration.

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Scot McIntosh, who served as emcee for the event, continued his tradition of sharing musical inspiration with attendees – a connection he fosters in his classrooms throughout the year.

“As we reflect on endings and new beginnings, a line from Taylor Swift’s ‘Long Live’ keeps coming back to me. ‘Long live all the mountains we moved; I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.’ Graduating is indeed about overcoming great mountains and, sometimes, slaying dragons. As you step forward, remember the bonds formed, the music shared and the challenges overcome.

“For those non-Swifties among us, as we stand here contemplating the future and changes experienced and yet to come, I am reminded of a quote by Socrates, who said, ‘The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.’ This is what you have been preparing for during your time here at the School of Public Health—the building of new solutions, new paths and a healthier future for all.”

The ceremony included recognition of bachelor’s degree students who will be graduating with honors and the presentation of the LEAD Award, Community Partner Award, Excellence in Teaching Awards and several individual and departmental student awards. Additionally, the leadership teams of Delta Omega Honorary Society and Upsilon Phi Delta recognized their newest inductees.

This year’s Community Partner Award was presented to Sam Wilkinson and WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities Regional Transition Navigator Services. Wilkinson and the Regional Transition Navigator Services team provide information, training and resources to at-risk youth and young adults throughout West Virginia who are experiencing, have experienced or are at risk of experiencing serious emotional disturbance, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders.

“Sam has not only been a champion for youth in West Virginia, but a champion for public health students as well,” McIntosh said. “Sam has created space and opportunity for students to gain experience connecting with stakeholders and putting theory to practice while sharpening their navigation, communication and research skills.

“Sam recognizes and helps foster students’ individual strengths. Students often comment on how inspiring and energetic he is to be around, and he models trustworthiness, genuineness and strong leadership. We are truly fortunate to collaborate with partners like Sam and the RTNS program who join us in improving the quality of life for West Virginians.”

To view photos from the event, visit the School of Public Health SmugMug gallery.

Following is a comprehensive list of 2023-24 honorees:

Cum Laude (with honor) Spring 2024 Graduates

• Taylor Ann Hightower
• Emily S. Spotloe
• Madison Elizabeth Stewart
• Grace Udah

Magna Cum Laude (great honor) Spring 2024 Graduates

• Zoe R. Evans
• Sydney Emma Menszak
• Meaghan Olivia Nichols
• Colton Richard Sanders

Summa Cum Laude (highest honor) Spring 2024 Graduates

• Adeline Grace Hill
• Elliot Grace Nesbitt
• Alexandra Schmouder
• Eva Marie Spencer

Gamma Mu Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society Inductees

Honorary Inductee

• Ali Rezai, M.D.

Faculty Inductees

• Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D.
• France Weaver, Ph.D.

Graduate Alumni Inductees

• Aidan Davis
• Yuni Tang
• Colton Young

Graduate Student Inductees

• Diana Davidson
• Brandon Gregory
• Levi Phillips
• Visakha Turner
• Carly Williamson

Undergraduate Student Inductee

• Alexandra Schmouder

Upsilon Phi Delta Inductees

Graduate (Master of Health Administration)

• Alexia Assi
• Christina Bondi
• Hannah Chenoweth
• Cameron Keyser
• Morgan Kniley
• Nate Oblizajek
• Leigha Shreve
• Caden Staggers

Faculty Inductees

• Tom Bias, Ph.D.
• Lou Delice, MHA
• Audra Hamrick, MA
• Darren Liu, DrPH

Case Competition Honorees

• Lydia Ferrell, Megan Townsend and Haley Cothern; 2^nd Place, Meritus Health Case Competition
• Lauren Orndorff, Sydney Nestor and Heather Weyen; 1^st Place, WVU Health Administration Case Competition
• Tiffany Salamone; University of Pittsburgh Super Analytics Challenge

LEAD Award
Recognizes graduating MHA student exemplifying four core values of the program: Learning, Engagement, Achievement and Diversity.

• Haley Cothern

Outstanding Community Partner

• Sam Wilkinson, Regional Transition Navigator Services, WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities

Outstanding Teaching Awards

• Anthony Peluso, DrPH, Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award
• France Weaver, Ph.D., Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award

Promising Public Health Investigator Award
Presented to a graduate student who exemplifies tremendous potential as a researcher. The student’s work during his/her academic training has the potential for publication and/or acceptance at national or international conferences.

• Brittany Smith

Junior Public Health Investigator Award
Presented to a graduating baccalaureate student who exemplifies tremendous potential as a researcher.

• Adeline Hill

Promising Public Health Practitioner Award
Presented to a master’s or doctoral student who shows the most potential to impact the future of public health through applied public health practice.

• Diana Davidson

Junior Promising Public Health Practitioner Award
Presented to a baccalaureate student who shows the most potential to impact the future of public health through applied public health practice.

• Mackenzie Kaminski

Ruth E. Kershner Community Service Award
Presented to a student who has demonstrates outstanding service to a group or community in West Virginia during their course of studies at the WVU School of Public Health. This award is given in memory of Ruth Kershner, Ed.D. Kershner, who passed away in 2014, inspired her students and colleagues throughout her career at WVU. She was known for her love, generosity and endless energy and enthusiasm – all traits the recipient of this award will have shared with the individuals they served.

• Hanna Kissinger

Junior Pioneering Spirit Award
Presented to an undergraduate student who embodies the Mountaineer definition of “Pioneering” – a resourceful and entrepreneurial student who proactively forges new opportunities.

• Eva Marie Spencer

Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management and Leadership Student Award
Presented to the graduating undergraduate student who exhibits the greatest potential for contributions in healthcare administration.

• Sydney Menszak

Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Public Health Student Award
Presented to the graduating undergraduate student who exhibits the greatest potential for contributions in public health leadership.

• Adeline Hill

Population Health Student Award
Presented to the graduating Master of Science in Population Health student who exhibits the greatest potential for contributions in the field.

• Brandon Gregory

Outstanding Doctoral Student Award
Presented to a graduating Ph.D. student who exemplifies the highest qualities of a doctoral student.

• Brenna Kirk

Departmental Awards
Presented to one outstanding student in each concentration area. Recipients are nominated and selected by faculty in the area of study.

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Ryan Kirk
• Health Policy, Management and Leadership: Anna Sellaro
• Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences: Ryan Titus
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: Carly Williamson