The West Virginia University community will officially welcome new Mountaineer mascot Rebecca Durst during the Passing of the Rifle Ceremony at 3 p.m. today (April 17) in the Mountainlair Vandalia Lounge.

Among those attending will be Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, who became the first female Mountaineer in 1990.

Durst, the second woman to don the buckskins, is a sophomore pre-nursing major from Point Pleasant. She was named the mascot during the March 7 WVU -University of Louisville basketball game. Her first appearance as the Mountaineer will be at the Saturday, April 18, Gold-Blue spring football scrimmage at Milan Puskar Stadium.

I am very excited to begin my term as the Mountaineer and very humbled to have this opportunity,Durst said.I know that the Mountaineer represents more than just WVU . It represents the traditions and strength of all West Virginians. I know I have some big shoes to fill, and I cannot wait to get started.

Michael Squires, a junior speech pathology and audiology major from Clarksburg, is completing his term as the 2008-09 Mountaineer mascot.

The past year has been the most amazing experience for me,Squires said.I have grown as a person and a student. I have learned about my state and my alma mater, and I will never forget the experience. I am confident that Rebecca will represent this University with the same pride and enthusiasm as those who have worn the buckskins before her.

Along with Durst and Squires, Tommy Napier of Mountain Honorary, the ceremony sponsor, and former Mountaineer mascots Brandon Flower and Derek Fincham will offer brief remarks.

For more information on WVU s Mountaineer tradition, visit http://alumni.wvu.edu/traditions/mountaineer_mascot/ .