CENTRAL VIRGINIA CHAPTER

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

October 2025 Newsletter

Dear Fellow Mountaineers,

This newsletter provides a comprehensive October update about the chapter's status, upcoming activities, and opportunities for member involvement. Most importantly, please complete the member survey - your input is essential!

The Transition: In December 2024, then-President Jennifer Condaras announced that the entire board would be stepping down in June 2025 to allow fresh leadership. After no other members volunteered, Timothy Casten stepped forward as President and was officially announced in August 2025.

Current Leadership: Several former board members have graciously attended transition meetings to help with the transition. Their help has been appreciated.

A survey has been sent to all members. Please take 10 minutes to fill it out - the chapter needs your input on priorities, activities, and preferences for moving forward.

Join fellow Mountaineers to cheer on the team! Here are the planned watch parties:

• Sat, Oct 18 @ UCF - Location TBD
• Sat, Nov 8 vs Colorado - Location TBD
• Sat, Nov 15 @ #25 Arizona State - Location TBD

Stay tuned for venue announcements - the chapter is working to secure convenient locations for all Mountaineers in Central Virginia!

The chapter is planning the traditional holiday gathering and annual meeting. MEMBER SUGGESTIONS ARE NEEDED for:

• Venue recommendations (restaurants, community centers, member homes)
• Preferred dates in December
• Any special activities or traditions you'd like to include

Please respond with your ideas!

It's important to remember that while watch parties, get-togethers, and social events are wonderful for staying connected as Mountaineers, the real reason the chapter exists is to provide educational support for area youth through the Blake E. Fought Memorial Scholarship. The primary mission is to collect funds for the WVU Foundation and, in particular, to keep funding the chapter's scholarship that helps deserving students achieve their educational dreams.

WVU Foundation Partnership: Meeting Monday, October 6th in Morgantown with Kevin Berry and David Alloway from the Foundation and Alumni Association to explore chapter revitalization strategies and present our major scholarship contribution.

Current Status:

• Chapter checking account balance: $15,547.59
• 2025 dues collected: $500.47
• Scholarship donations received: $60.00 + $600.00 = $660.00
• Blake E. Fought Memorial Scholarship Fund: $66,475.55 current value
• Major News: Presenting $5,600 in donations to WVU Foundation on October 6th!

The chapter desperately needs volunteers for:

• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Activities
• Communications
• Member At Large

The chapter needs YOU to help ensure future success!

1. Complete the member survey - Your input is essential
2. Pay your 2025 dues if you haven't already
3. Suggest Christmas party venues and dates
4. Consider joining the board - volunteers are needed!
5. RSVP for watch parties when locations are announced
6. Spread the word to other WVU alumni
7. Stay engaged and attend our upcoming events

Despite inherited challenges, there is optimism about the chapter's future. The chapter has a strong foundation of loyal Mountaineers who understand the educational mission, modern systems now in place, and renewed energy for excellence in serving students.

With continued member support and participation, the chapter will emerge from this transition period stronger than ever. The focus is not just rebuilding systems - but rebuilding trust, engagement, and the Mountaineer spirit that makes the chapter special.

Timothy Casten
President, Central Virginia Chapter
West Virginia University Alumni Association
Email: contact@cvawvuaa.org
Phone: 804-566-8058