A new class finds its Mountaineer spirit
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MORGANTOWN -- For incoming West Virginia University freshmen, their college journey officially began under the lights of Milan Puskar Stadium Sunday night.
WVU's annual Sunday Night Lights welcomed members of the Class of 2030 to Mountaineer Field for an evening filled with games, contests, music and plenty of Mountaineer spirit. The Welcome Week tradition, which dates back to 2015, gives new students an opportunity to meet their classmates, make connections and begin building a sense of community before their first week of classes.
Students gathered on the field throughout the evening, forming new friendships and taking part in activities designed to bring the incoming class together.
Among those students was Phillip Tenney II of Upshur County, who said he chose WVU because of the school, its location and its accessibility.
"I just really like the school," Tenney said. "I like the area, and I just like the accessibility to everything."
Tenney is beginning his studies in psychology with plans to continue to medical school and eventually become a psychiatrist.
"I want to help people," he said. "I want to make sure to be able to provide the type of help that people don't get."
The evening also gave students their first opportunity to hear from WVU President Michael Benson, who welcomed the newest members of the Mountaineer family.
The 72nd Mountaineer, Reese Allen, also helped set the tone for the evening, leading students through some of WVU's most iconic cheers as thousands of voices echoed throughout the stadium.
For many in the Class of 2030, Sunday Night Lights was more than just a Welcome Week event. It was an early introduction to the people, traditions and spirit that will shape their WVU experience for years to come.