The West Virginia University Alumni Association is pleased to announce its 2001 Outstanding Alumni Award winners and Homecoming Parade Marshal. All will be recognized during Homecoming weekend Nov. 2-3.
“This years honoreesall standouts in their professionshave put their Mountaineer spirit into practice by serving their alma mater and their communities,”said Executive Director Steve Douglas.”They represent the military, the medical profession and the field of interior design. Together, they represent the true diversity that makes WVU a rich institution of higher learning.”
Outstanding Alumni Award recipients are Vivien Woofter and Kenneth D. Gray.
Vivien Woofter is a graduate of the WVU Class of 1952. She received an undergraduate degree in home economics and has excelled in the world of interior design. She is the Director of Interior Design for the Office of Foreign Buildings, U.S. Department of State. In that capacity, she is responsible for the design and furnishings of more than 1,000 posts worldwide, including all foreign embassies.
She was assigned to the White House during the presidential administrations of John Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. During the latter two administrations, she was in charge of the East Wing, West Wing, the Executive Office Building, Jackson Place and Camp David.
Her work on furniture standards for the handicapped has been the subject of articles in national magazines and journals, and Woofters designer skill and craft has been captured on the pages of Architectural Digest, House and Garden and many other national publications.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Woofter is committed to serving her alma mater. She is a member of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors and the College of Creative Arts Visiting Committee. She also is involved in WVU projects such as serving as a consultant on the Presidents Home renovation project and as a member of the Erickson Alumni Centers facility planning committee. She is a member of the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni.
Gen. Kenneth D. Gray , the current Vice President for Student Affairs at WVU , is a West Virginian who has lived a life of service through the ranks of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps of the military.
Gray graduated with a law degree from WVU in 1969 and entered active duty in the JAGC . During his career he has served as defense counsel and command judge advocate in Vietnam. He was promoted to major general and sworn in as the Assistant Judge Advocate General in 1993.
Grays awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Award, which is the highest award for military service, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Army Achievement Medal. He, too, is a member of the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni.
Gray retired from the U.S. Army in April 1997, and joined WVU as vice president that May.
WVU s 2001 Parade Marshal for the Friday, Nov. 2, trek down Morgantowns main dragHigh Streetis Larry Schwab, M.D .
Dr. Schwab, a Morgantown ophthalmologist, is a 1962 graduate of the WVU College of Arts and Sciences and a 1966 School of Medicine grad. He is a member of the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and a former member of the board of directors for the International Eye Foundation. Dr. Schwab worked for that organization for more than 12 years in four African countries.
His love for the University is evident. For the past two years, Dr. Schwab has enrolled as a part-time student allowing him the opportunity to perform with”The Pride of West Virginia”Marching Band. His passion for that group began in 1958. That was the first year the baritone horn player performed with the band as an undergraduate. But getting back into performance shape was not easy, he said.
“I had to practice very hard for the audition,”Dr. Schwab explained. Since rejoining the band, he has rearranged his private practice schedule to allow him to attend daily two-hour band practices and other performances.
“It is only fitting that Dr. Schwab be named parade marshal in this special year,”Douglas said,”as `The Pridecelebrates its 100th anniversary,”with many events culminating on homecoming weekend.
“I was very surprised by this honor,”Dr. Schwab said.”I am pleased to represent the band and our school. To be the parade marshal at this important juncture is very special.”
In conjunction with Homecoming activities, the Alumni Association will host a Mountaineer Barbecue with special guest Johnny Staats at Erickson Alumni Center following the parade. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. The alumni event is free, but reservations are requested by calling 304-293-4731.