Throughout the past year, West Virginia University celebrated a milestone year – the 150th anniversary of the state’s land-grant institution. The WVU family honored its humble beginnings, saluted the years of rugged determination and began to forge an even brighter future — the University’s next 150 years — while also toasting to the present and the people who are currently leading a transformation in West Virginia and around the world.
Within this 150th year, the University created 150 Celebration Coins as a token of appreciation to the hardworking employees who embody the WVU values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation, and go above and beyond to make the community, West Virginia and the world a better place. Only 150 of the special gold coins were printed for distribution.
Recognizing faculty and staff members who exemplify those traits and further the WVU and the College of Business and Economics mission each and every day, B&E Milan Puskar Dean Javier Reyes and the College’s administration recently awarded the special gold coins to five deserving individuals who represent these values. B&E recipients of the 150 Celebration Coins are:
- Dr. Ajay Aluri – Assistant Professor, Hospitality and Tourism Management;
Director, WVU Hospitality
Innovation Technology Lab - Frank DeMarco – Teaching Associate Professor, Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Dr.John Deskins–Associate Professor,Economics; Director, WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research
- Carole Kiger – Manager of Instructional Technology
- Rachel Nieman – Undergraduate Recruiter, B&E Undergraduate Programs
“On behalf of the College, we are proud to recognize these five individuals who epitomize the values of the University and B&E, and I want to thank each of them for all they do. They not only excel in their respective roles and departments, but go the extra mile to build business leaders, to collaborate with their colleagues and to be catalysts for change across the state and beyond,” Reyes said. “Through their hard work and dedication, these esteemed faculty and staff members are making a lasting impact that strengthens the One WVU family. They are helping shape our culture and fostering inspiration within our business students.”
A committee within the College determined the recipients of the 150 Celebration Coins. The B&E honorees, along with others from across the WVU campus, will be recognized by WVU President E. Gordon Gee at a Celebration of Mountaineer Values in early February.
