ABOUT US

BOONE COUNTY ALUMNI CHAPTER

BACKGROUND

Established in 1986 - formally organized in 1988
Official Name: Boone County Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association
Also Known As: "Boone County WVU Alumni & Friends"
The Chapter has awarded in excess of 500 scholarships.

Illustration of a male figure holding a long rifle, wearing a uniform with shoulder epaulets, depicted in navy blue and gold colors.

MISSION & PURPOSE

The purpose of the organization shall be to promote, support, and provide assistance to West Virginia University, its affiliated entities and its Boone County students; to unite those individuals who desire to dedicate their efforts to the betterment of West Virginia University by such activities, and to encourage closer fellowship and establish better understanding between the University, the alumni, students, former students and friends of West Virginia University in this area.

The Boone County Chapter is recognized throughout our state and the nation for its preeminent academic scholarship program. It currently endows scholarships with the West Virginia University Foundation, Inc. The chapter has five named scholarships: The “Buster” and Geraldine Atkins, the Gus and Mary Lee Shaffer, Jr., the Dennie Lee and Judy Hill, the Judie Hall, and the Larry LaFon. The lifetime gifts made in our name by two of our benefactors: H. G. “Gus” and Mary Lee Shaffer and Dennie Lee and Judy Hill provide a significant endowment for our future Boone County WVU students.

The Chapter awards academic scholarships to deserving Boone County students attending WVU. Additionally, a $50 textbook gift certificate is given to every Boone County West Virginia University student attending our signature event. The tradition continues. The certificates are redeemable at The Book Exchange in Morgantown and The Bookstore at WVU Tech.

In addition, the Chapter has endowed an athletic scholarship, which is awarded to a Boone County WVU athlete. We continue to honor its pledge to fund this award using private contributions to insure that its academic scholarship funding is never used for this initiative.

Several years ago, the Chapter was pleased to assist a group of Boone Countians to endow and award a scholarship in honor of their former teacher, Mr. Karl E. Williams. The group raised more than $11,000 and invested it with the WVU Foundation as a sub-fund of our Chapter. It was honored to assist the “Friends of Karl E. Williams” and to provide matching funds for their first annual scholarship.

What We Do

Support Scholarships

We endow several scholarships to help ease the financial burden for local Boone County students pursuing higher education at WVU. By investing in these students, we’re not just funding education — we’re opening doors, empowering futures, and continuing a proud tradition of academic support that reflects the heart and purpose of our chapter.
Foster Community

We believe in the power of connection and the strength of the Mountaineer bond. Our chapter is a place where alumni, students, and friends can support one another, celebrate shared roots, and build new friendships grounded in the values that define West Virginia University—loyalty, resilience, and pride.
Celebrate Mountaineer Spirit

We come together to cheer on WVU athletics, celebrate major milestones, and proudly wear the gold and blue — because showing up for our Mountaineers is part of who we are. Whether it’s a game day watch party or a victory toast, we believe in having fun, building camaraderie, and keeping the Mountaineer pride alive wherever we are.