TheWest Virginia University Mountaineer Parents Clubhas announced its outstanding chapters of 2008. Randolph County was named the Outstanding In-State Club, and the Pittsburgh-area group took the title of Outstanding Out-of-State Club.
The two chapters were chosen from more than 70 across the nation. The decision was based on the number of meetings and special events they organize each year, how effectively they communicate with members and whether they have a full and involved group of directors.
It is a special honor to be able to recognize two clubs each year for all their hard work,said Sabrina Cave, executive director of the Mountaineer Parents Club.Everyone involved at the chapter level works so hard to make sure the lines of communication are open and that our students and their families have a great level of support. Its important to us to recognize these two chapters for their additional efforts and impact within the organization.
Formed in 1995, the Mountaineer Parents Club provides an important source of communication between the University and families of WVU students. The organization provides newsletters,Parent Electronic News, a Web site (http://parentsclub.wvu.edu) and a toll-free helpline (1-800-WVU-0096). Annual events such asFall Family Weekend, Winter Weekend and Parents Club University also provide an opportunity for students and their families to take part in special activities on campus.
Local chapters hold Summer Send-off and Winter Fest events, so WVU students can learn more about the University and families can network within their communities. Many clubs also organize game-watching events and assemble gift baskets for their students.
As the outstanding clubs of the year, the Randolph County and Pittsburgh-area chapters will be recognized during Fall Family Weekend (Oct. 17-19), and they will receive special commemorative banners to display at club events.
Chapters that have been previously named Outstanding In-State Club have come from Boone/Lincoln, Harrison, Mineral, Monongalia, Preston and Ohio/Marshall counties.
Prior out-of-state winners include the Central Maryland, Lehigh Valley, Pa., Northern Virginia, Southern New Jersey, Western New York and York-Adams, Pa., chapters.
For more information about the Mountaineer Parents Club or to locate a chapter near you, visithttp://parentsclub.wvu.edu/.