West Virginia University recently recognized five outstanding students as the 2025 Mountaineers of Distinction. This tradition celebrates students for their academic excellence and community service. The winners are Matthew Bolling, Brogan Dozier, Isabella Hart, Abby Ruth, and Erin Skaff.
The selection process was competitive, with 70 students recommended from across the campus. An interview panel chose these five based on their remarkable achievements and commitment to service.
Meet the Honorees:
Matthew Bolling is a political science major from Morgantown who aims to become a lawyer. He has actively volunteered with the Appalachian Prison Book Project, delivering over 65,000 books to incarcerated people since 2004. Matthew believes that a true Mountaineer carries the spirit of West Virginia wherever they go.
Brogan Dozier, a graduate student in journalism from Charles Town, has shown dedication to leadership and public service. As the vice president of the Student Government Association, she plans to amplify underrepresented voices in her future career.
Isabella Hart is a dual major in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Hurricane. She focuses on empowering women in STEM, volunteering over 500 hours to support patients in hospice care. She emphasizes that technical skills must be paired with compassion to create meaningful change.
Abby Ruth, hailing from Fallston, Maryland, is a biochemistry major who boasts a 4.0 GPA while taking on various leadership roles. She has led fundraisers for children’s hospitals and believes resilience transforms adversity into purpose.
Erin Skaff, a political science major from Charleston, has excelled while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She’s engaged in various service projects, highlighting that being a Mountaineer reflects values rather than appearances.
These students not only excel academically but also uplift their communities in impactful ways, demonstrating the values of service and resilience typical of Mountaineers.
Recent surveys indicate that such student-led initiatives boost campus morale and foster a sense of belonging. This spirit of engagement shapes the future leaders of West Virginia.
For more on WVU’s Mountaineers of Distinction, visit their official site here.
