The Mountaineer is one of most treasured icons among alumni and friends of West Virginia University. Throughout the University’s more than 147-year history, artisans have recreated this majestic symbol to showcase the rich heritage of WVU and West Virginia.

Jason Stoner is one of those sculptors. The Fairfield, Pennsylvania, native was the featured carver at the 35th Annual West Virginia Three Rivers Festival in Fairmont where he crafted a beautifully carved wooden statue, bringing yet another mountaineer to life. Stoner, who specializes in North American wildlife, has been carving professionally for the last nine years for the Bear Hollow Wood Carvers.

The four-foot wooden sculpture was presented to the WVU Alumni Association by the Three Rivers Festival Executive Board earlier this year. The new mountaineer has found a home at The Erickson Alumni Center and strikes a very resounding chord with visitors as a symbol of resiliency and fortitude.

“What a wonderful addition to our memorabilia here at The Erickson Alumni Center. The craftsmanship of this piece is extraordinary, and we are thrilled to showcase this one-of-a-kind sculpture at our center,” said Stephen L. Douglas, president and CEO, WVU Alumni Association.

Sharon Swearingen, executive director of the festival, said, “This event lives to bring together our community and celebrate our history. We couldn’t be happier to give back to a more deserving contributor. We’re so pleased to present this piece to the WVU Alumni Association. The sculpture – a wonderful and significant symbol of our state’s rich heritage – has found the perfect home.”

The West Virginia Three Rivers Festival, held each year in May, boasts a fun-filled week of Mountain State friendly activities like a pepperoni roll eating contest, a carnival, the North American Strongman Appalachian Team Championships and more.

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CONTACT: Tara Curtis, WVU Alumni Association
304.293.0972, tecurtis@mail.wvu.edu

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