More than 1,500 WVU alumni and friends attend pre-game reception

September 14th, 2004

They came from as far away as Iraq to support West Virginia University and the Mountaineer football team.

More than 900 alumni and friends attended a pre-game gathering hosted by the WVU Alumni Association prior to the East Carolina game on September 4.

This is the largest crowd since the inception of our pre-game home receptions more than 17 years ago. I cant think of a better way to kick off the football season,says Stephen Douglas, President and Chief Executive Officer of the WVU Alumni Association.We were excited to see alumni representing more than 12 states and every region of West Virginia coming out to support West Virginia University.

In addition to the alumni reception, nearly 670 young alumni from the classes of 1999-2003 returned to campus to attend a pre-game gathering sponsored by the Alumni Association and the Mountaineer Athletic Club, including Mike Jurick, a captain with the U.S. Army currently serving in Iraq.

A native of Morgantown and 2000 graduate of WVU , Jurick says he delayed his scheduled leave so that he could attend a WVU game.

I love West Virginia University and Mountaineer football,says Jurick.I really wanted to see game while I was home. This reception was the perfect opportunity for me to gather with my family and friends. The day was great and definitely worth the trip.

Texas Roadhouse and Papa Johns catered the pre-game hospitality and young alumni events.

According to Douglas, the pre-game hospitality tent for the game against Maryland has already reached capacity and tent passes are no longer available.

The response to our hospitality tent has been overwhelming,says Douglas.We expect the reception prior to the Maryland game to be another record-setting event.

The WVU Alumni Association, chartered in 1873, represents more than 158,000 University graduates residing in every county in West Virginia, every state in the union and approximately 60 foreign nations. With nearly 100 registered chapters and constituent groups, the Associations 26,000 dues-paying members support Homecoming Weekend, the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and dozens of other social and philanthropic programs. For more information about the WVU Alumni Association, visithttp://alumni.wvu.edu.