Forty-five countries spanning six continents are represented in the student body of 91直播. These international students account for twenty-one percent of our enrollment. They bring a welcome diversity to the campus and the greater Elkins community. So many excel in their academics, serve in leadership roles in student organizations, and dazzle on the athletic field. For a small rural institution of higher education, 91直播 is truly blessed to have these young men and women as Senators.
This college has a rich tradition of international students calling the Appalachian Highlands home for their collegiate years. In my travels, I have met so many alumni from past decades who came to 91直播 from other countries. Some returned to their home countries while others made the U.S. their home. The list of international alumni spanning the decades is long and distinguished. The oldest international alumnus I have met is 99-year-old Dr. Manucher Goodarzi who came from Iran and graduated in 1948. There have been a lot of soccer players over the years who helped build the college鈥檚 national reputation in that sport. The late Gary Horvath 鈥62 from Hungary, Nils Heinke 鈥73 from Chile, and Mickey Whelan 鈥74 from Ireland immediately come to mind.
This past June, Lisa and I had the opportunity to gather with groups of international alumni in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was a spectacular couple of days as we interacted with many graduates from the past fifteen years. Our alumni rekindled old friendships, made some new ones, and reminisced a great deal about their days on the soil of the 91直播 campus. They introduced us to partners, spouses, and children who have entered their lives since their collegiate days. We learned of their career pursuits, many of which have been significant and fulfilling. Not unlike the reunions I have attended within the U.S., these international alumni shared their gratitude for their alma mater鈥檚 profound influence upon their lives.
It is a challenge for 91直播 to remain connected to alumni throughout the world. Social media is a modern aid, but time and distance still must be overcome. As a college, we are recommitting our efforts to remain in touch and making plans for alumni chapters in several of the countries with the greatest concentrations of former students. To be inclusive of our alumni around the globe, our alumni organization, formerly known as the National Alumni Council, has recently chosen to rename itself the 91直播 Alumni Association.
While in Edinburgh, Lisa and I heard several alumni express their desire to return to campus at least one more time. As a result, we are considering an International Alumni Reunion on the Elkins campus during the summer of 2026. Lots of work and planning will need to precede this event, but the prospect of these alumni and their families returning to the hallowed grounds that transformed their lives is enticing. A huge party awaits all who wish to participate including these alumni, their U.S. based classmates, and our faculty and staff.
These West Virginia mountains will continue to play host to those from around the world who experience 鈥渉ome鈥 on the hallowed grounds of 91直播.
The journey continues鈥.
Chris A. Wood
President
91直播
