Introduction:
West Virginia Wesleyan College is a private liberal arts college located in Buckhannon, West Virginia. It was founded in 1890 by the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church. The college is known for its high academic standards, its commitment to community service, and its strong athletic programs. In this blog post, we will explore some fun and interesting facts about West Virginia Wesleyan College.
The Campus
The West Virginia Wesleyan College campus is located on 100 acres in Buckhannon, West Virginia. The campus is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic surroundings. The college has a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the iconic administration building, known as “Old Main,” which was built in 1890. The campus also includes a chapel, a library, a performing arts center, and a science center. In addition, there are numerous athletic facilities, including a stadium, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool.
One interesting fact about the campus is that it is home to a 1920s vintage train station that has been converted into a student center. The train station was originally located in the nearby town of Weston and was moved to the campus in the 1970s. The student center, known as “The Station,” now houses a bookstore, a snack bar, and a lounge area.
Another interesting feature of the campus is the “Green Zone,” which is an environmentally-friendly area that includes a rain garden, a butterfly garden, and a composting site. The Green Zone is maintained by students and faculty members who are passionate about sustainability and environmentalism.
Athletics
West Virginia Wesleyan College has a strong tradition of athletic excellence. The college is a member of the Mountain East Conference and competes at the NCAA Division II level. The college sponsors 22 varsity sports, including football, basketball, soccer, cross country, and track and field.
One fun fact about the college’s athletic program is that the men’s basketball team won the NCAA Division II national championship in 2015. The team had a record-breaking season, winning 31 games and losing only three. The championship game was held at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, and the Bobcats defeated Augustana College 77-59 to claim the title.
Another interesting fact about West Virginia Wesleyan’s athletic program is that the college has produced several professional athletes. Notable alumni include Jerry West, who played basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers and is considered one of the greatest players in NBA history, and Nick Swisher, who played baseball for several Major League teams, including the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians.
Academics
West Virginia Wesleyan College is known for its rigorous academic programs. The college offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as several graduate programs. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and an average class size of 18 students.
One interesting fact about the college’s academic programs is that it offers a major in environmental science. The program focuses on sustainability, conservation, and the environment, and prepares students for careers in environmental science, policy, and management. The program includes hands-on field experiences, internships, and research opportunities.
Another interesting fact about West Virginia Wesleyan’s academic programs is that the college has a partnership with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). The partnership allows qualified Wesleyan students to gain early acceptance to the medical school and complete their undergraduate degree and medical degree in seven years instead of the traditional eight. The program is highly competitive and is designed for students who are committed to a career in medicine.
Community Service
West Virginia Wesleyan College is committed to community service and encourages students to give back to the community through various service programs. The college has a Center for Community Engagement and Leadership Development that provides students with opportunities to volunteer, intern, and participate in service-learning projects.
One fun fact about the college’s community service programs is that students participate in an annual event called “Into the Streets.” During this event, students, faculty, and staff members work together on various community service projects, such as cleaning up local parks, painting community buildings, and assisting with food drives.
Another interesting fact about the college’s community service programs is that it has a Bonner Scholars Program. The program is named after Corella and Bertram Bonner, who were committed to social justice and community service. The program provides scholarship funding for students who are committed to community service and leadership. Bonner Scholars participate in service projects throughout their college career and receive training and support to help them become effective community leaders.
Campus Traditions
West Virginia Wesleyan College has several campus traditions that are celebrated throughout the year. One of the most popular traditions is Homecoming, which takes place in the fall. The week-long celebration includes a parade, a football game, and various events and activities for alumni and students.
Another fun campus tradition is the “May Day” celebration. May Day is a spring festival that includes a Maypole dance, live music, and various games and activities. The event is a celebration of the end of the academic year and the beginning of summer.
In addition, the college has a tradition called “The Rock.” The Rock is a large boulder located on the campus quad. Students paint the rock with various messages, slogans, and artwork throughout the year. The rock has become a symbol of campus spirit and creativity.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, West Virginia Wesleyan College is a vibrant and dynamic community that is committed to academic excellence, community service, and athletic achievement. The college’s beautiful campus, rigorous academic programs, strong athletic tradition, and campus traditions make it a unique and special place to learn and grow. We hope you have enjoyed learning about some fun and interesting facts about West Virginia Wesleyan College.