The presence of West Virginia University can be felt worldwide.

With more than 175,000 alumni living throughout the globe, it’s hard not to spot the Flying WV somewhere in the crowd. Those alumni connections are vital to the ongoing success of the University and its graduates. One important connection was just formed in Malaysia.

Recently, alumni and friends living in Malaysia gathered together at the Subang Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur for the official incorporation of the first overseas alumni chapter – the Malaysian Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association.

The event was hosted by the International and Global Outreach unit of WVU Student Affairs. During the program, alumni participated in “WVU Trivia,” shared their favorite memories of their time at the University and learned about new programs and opportunities at their alma mater. Dr. David Stewart, associate vice president of international and global outreach, WVU Student Affairs, also read a proclamation from WVU Alumni Association President & CEO Stephen L. Douglas, announcing the incorporation of the alumni chapter in Malaysia.

“We have more than 100 alumni living in Kuala Lumpur alone,” Stewart said. “These Mountaineers share a deep sense of loyalty to our University, so having a chapter presence there will enable them to use their passion for WVU to help keep them engaged in the life of our University, serve as advocates for programs/services and recruit new students. It’s a perfect partnership.”

More than 60 graduates and their families attended the event on Oct. 7. As an official chapter, the group will assist with outreach efforts, host networking/social events and participate in other activities.

“This is an exciting time for the WVU Alumni Association,” noted Douglas. “It is so wonderful to have the involvement of our alumni living and working abroad. Their support and commitment to WVU is vital to the ongoing success of our alma mater. We look forward to working with Student Affairs to further enhance the presence of alumni chapters worldwide and assist them in their efforts.”

The WVU Alumni Association supports more than 100 chapter and constituent groups, including international groups in China and Japan. For more information, contact the WVU Alumni Association or visit http://alumni.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

tec/10.15.10

CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association,
304-293-0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu or

Sabrina Cave, WVU Student Affairs,
304-293-2506, Sabrina.cave@mail.wvu.edu

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