West Virginia University - Monticola Yearbook (Morgantown, WV)

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Despite cutbacks, still ... A Cut AbOVB You notice them walking down the street, recognize them in a grocery store, mark them cutting in and out of traffic, in a crowd they stand out from others. What makes West Virginia University students a cut above ordinary people? They take pride in their heritage, the school ' s athletic achieve- ments, their dedication to learning, the reputations of the colleges and of being WVU students. Students felt special during the Marching Band ' s halftime perfor- mances at the home football games. Pride swelled in the hearts of students as the band formed the shape of the state and began Country Roads. The mention of Mountaineer Week always made students hold up their heads. The chance to ex- perience West Virginia ' s culture, its enduring traditions and hardy customs which make the state unique, was missed by few. Just the thoughts of funnel cake, the Street Fair and the art and craft exhibits made students smile. The football team ' s second bowl appearance in two years drew on their well of pride. The trip to Jacksonville, Florida, for the Gator Bowl was made by thousands of fans who showed the Florida State Seminoles and the nation that they have that Moun- taineer Spirit. Academically students did not lack for pride either. Ac- knowledgements of WVU ' s 19 Rhodes Scholars were frequent as were the accomplishments of the chemistry department, the quality of the journalism school and the achievements of the medical school. A misconception, however, is to believe that only students were cuts above the ordinary. The University took severe budget cuts because of the economic recession. Regardless of the cuts, the type of students seen on campus was not greatly changed. They realized that the University was required by state officials to reduce its operating costs. This reduction meant a decrease in the classes offered. A welcome back-to-school bash features the band Montana at the Lair plaza. Future tailgater, Mary Kennple Surphan, prepares to cheer the football team on to victory over Boston College. 2 Opening