Television buffs will recall the Brady Bunch and the plight of Jan Brady as she tried to assert her independence from her older sister, Marcia. Perceived as smarter, prettier and more popular, Marcias presence at the same high school created a shadow that Jan struggled to overcome.

That, of course, was 1960s television.

Fast forward to today, and siblings are finding their own individuality while attending West Virginia University. With an extensive selection of majors, activities and organizations, students can identify and pursue their interests independent of their brothers and sisters.

As part of this years Mountaineer Parents Club Winter Weekend (Feb. 16-18), a special panel discussion will feature students with siblings at the University. The talk will focus on experiences they have both encountered as well as how they have found separate paths and identities at WVU .

The panel will speak during theWVU 101: What It Means to Be and How to Become a Mountaineerpresentation at 12:30 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 17) in Room 223-A at the Creative Arts Center.

Those participating are:

  • Bridget Allen, a senior speech pathology and audiology major from Steubenville, Ohio. Her sister, Rachel, is a sophomore majoring in sports management.
  • Sarah Lovell, a senior with a dual major in biometric systems and computer engineering from Martinsburg. Her sister, Becky, is a junior majoring in multidisciplinary studies.
  • Megan Master, a senior broadcast news major from Morgantown. Her sister, Erin, graduated from WVU in 2003 with a degree in animal sciences.
  • Justin Wood, a junior political science major from Charleston. His brother, Colin, is a freshman jazz studies major.

WVU s Siblings Weekend coincides with Winter Weekend. Highlights include a Festival of Ideas event, pizza party, mens and womens basketball games, Pittsburgh Symphony concert and WVUp All Night activities.

More on the Net: http://www.wvu.edu/ (click on theWinter WeekendorSiblings Weekendicon)