WVU and WVU Medicine leadership spent the first day in October inside the capital beltway, which just so happened to be day 1 of the ongoing government shutdown.
Questions were raised about whether to still make the trip for planned visits on Capitol Hill and a special meet and greet reception with our dedicated DC alumni, donors, and friends.
After some debate, our leaders simply said, " Let's Go!"
The “popular, pithy, and peripatetic" phrase, as President Michael T. Benson likes to tout it, embodies who we are as Mountaineers. We move forward with momentum on our side.
The day could not have gone better. President Benson and WVU Health System President and CEO Albert Wright enjoyed meeting with Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Jim Justice, and congressional staff. The duo reinforced their steadfast commitment to providing world-class education, research, healthcare, and service across the Mountain State.
Left picture: WVU President Michael T. Benson, Babydog (mascot and companion
of Senator Justice), U.S. Senator Jim Justice, President and CEO of WVU Medicine
Albert L. Wright Jr.
Right picture: Charlie Capito, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, WVU
President Michael T. Benson, President and CEO of WVU Medicine Albert L. Wright
Jr.
Afterwards, hundreds of gold and blue supporters gathered to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Capitol Dome on the rooftop of the iconic Hall of the States building.
Wright welcomed the crowd and touted WVU Medicine as the largest private employer in the state of West Virginia with more than 35,000 employees. Advancing its mission to expand quality care access, the WVU Health System now has 25 hospitals in 4 states, 4,600 providers, and 3,400+ licensed beds. He outlined a series of "firsts" that WVU Medicine has recently achieved and teased the new state-of-the-art cancer center that aims to attain a National Institute Designation, another first for West Virginia.
Wright closed his remarks by introducing the 27th President of West Virginia University, Michael T. Benson, to the stage.
What is now becoming a new tradition, Benson opened up with "Let's Go!" then pointed the hand-held mic out to a sea of gold and blue. The crowd enthusiastically shouted back "Mountaineers."
"Let's think big and bold," our new University president exclaimed.
He shared this vision for West Virginia University becoming part of the Association of American Universities.
“This is a really seminal moment for our institution and it’s one of those stretch goals that I know is going to push us. I see ourselves in there with any of those other 71 institutions that lead in research, innovation, economic development, and other key areas within academia. Just the process of pursing the designation will make us better.” Benson said.
Benson also highlighted his focus on finalizing the University's strategic compass, which he plans to unveil in the coming weeks after receiving feedback from board members, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members.
The rooftop energy could not have been more electric. Alumni, congressional staff, and WVU leaders alike applauded the University's new direction.
And once again, the Let's Go! rallying cry echoed from the rooftop as Benson closed his remarks and continued to mingle with DC's finest Mountaineer supporters.
Let's Go!
From left to right: Suzanne Bentzel, Jack Thompson, Travis Mollohan, Ann Bailey Berry, and Daniel Kimble — the Government Relations team at West Virginia University.