West Virginia University is experiencing great success and making a difference thanks to theteamthat is WVU , President David C. Hardesty Jr. told approximately 300 people attending the 28th State of the University address Wednesday (June 28) at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.

Among those in attendance were members of West Virginias congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. and U.S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va. The states new chancellor for higher education, Brian Noland, and WVU Board of Governors Chairman Steve Goodwin were also in attendance, along with other state Higher Education Policy Commission and BOG members, including HEPC Chairman Michael S. Garrison.

Its not about one star or a few stars,Hardesty said.Its the fact that everyone works together to achieve the same goal. At WVU we function much like a teamand we have one very clear goal: to be the best flagship university for our state.

Citing some examples, he noted:

  • enrollment is up by approximately 6,000 full-time students over the past 10 years
  • WVU s three Goldwater Scholars, ranking the University in the top 25 of all universities for recipients of this premier scholarship with 29
  • WVU s 2006 Truman Scholarmaking a total of 17and the Universitys designation as a Truman Scholar Honor Institution
  • 100,000 hours of community service completed by WVU students engaged in service learning
  • research and sponsored program funding has increased 135 percent over the past 10 years
  • investment of $1 by the state of West Virginia in WVU yields a return of $10
  • the WVU Foundations recently concluded capital campaign that raised some $337 million in support of the University
  • WVU HospitalsMagnet award for excellence in nursing
  • the Universitys Level 1 Trauma Center that was instrumental in Sago Mine survivor Randal McCloys miracle recovery
  • patent drug research that could alter the course of Alzheimers disease
  • WVU has one of only nine accredited programs designated by the National Academy of Forensic Sciences
  • the Universitys only nanotechnology clean room facility in the state
  • WVU s involvement in the 56,000 youth being served by 4-H (represents one in five youth in West Virginia)
  • 3,600 new and experienced coal miners trained in safety each year through WVU Mining Extension, and more.

These statistics reflect the success of our team every bit as clearly as the number of rebounds, three-pointers and assists printed in the sports pages,Hardesty said.

He also recognized the recent successes of WVU s athletic teamsan 11-1 season for the No. 5 ranked Big East and Sugar Bowl champs; a Sweet 16 finish in the the NCAA tournament in basketball; and playing for the womens NIT basketball championship, among others.

His remarks were highlighted by a video presentation showcasing some of theunsung heroesand programs that make up WVU s team.

He urged members of the audience to be as proud of these team accomplishments as they are of the triumphs of their sports teams.

Its a great time to be a Mountaineer,Hardesty concluded,whether its right here in the heart of the nations democracyor in the mountains of Appalachia.

Introducing Hardesty was WVU senior Rebecca McCauley of Morgantown, the only college student in the nation this year to be named both a Goldwater and Truman Scholar. Goldwater recipients are Americas premier science scholars, while Truman winners are outstanding students who are committed to public service.

The State of the University address is hosted by the National Capital Area Alumni Chapter. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the John F. Nicholas Jr. National Capital Area Chapter Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students in the D.C.-Metro area attending WVU .