WVU recognizes ‘Most Loyal’ honorees during Mountaineer Week

Each year, West Virginia Universityrecognizes a select group of dedicated Mountaineers who go above and beyond to positively impact the lives of others and make the University a special place as part of Mountaineer Week.

This year's "Most Loyal" recipients are alumni, faculty, staff and friends who embody commitment to WVU.

The 2024 honorees are Steve Conrad, Most Loyal West Virginian; Scott Branham, Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer; Rebecca Fint-Clark, Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff; and Donna Staggs, Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer. This group will be honored and recognized during halftime ceremonies of the WVU home football game against Baylor at Milan Puskar Stadiumon Saturday (Nov. 16).

To be considered for the honor, recipients must display the loyalty, ideals and goals of WVU and the state of West Virginia through professional and civic engagement, business, service and leadership. The Most Loyal recipients are selected by a joint committee representing the WVU Foundation, WVU Alumni Association, WVU Staff Council, WVU Faculty Senateand the Mountaineer Week organization committee.

Most Loyal West Virginian

Steve Conrad graduated from WVU with a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry in 1964 and subsequently served in the United States Navy as a fighter pilot, amassing 496 carrier landings and 129 combat missions in Vietnam. Conrad has remained highly engaged with the University since then. He has demonstrated his dedication through his service on various committees and projects, as well as financial support to establish the Conrad Farms Agriculture Scholarship.

Conrad recently served eight years as a Visiting Committee member for the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resourcesand remains an emeritus member. He continues to make new connections and strongly advocate for the work of the WVU Davis College and its research farms. Conrad is the eighth generation to farm his family's land in Brandywine, raising turkeys, cattle, corn, soybeans and hay. He is now retired, and his daughter and son-in-law operate the farm.

Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer

Parkersburg native Scott Branham'sjourney from student to influential alumnus exemplifies the spirit of a true Mountaineer. Branham graduated from the University with a bachelor's degree in marketingand a master's degree in business data analytics. His experience at the University fostered not only a passion for business but also an unwavering loyalty to WVU ideals.

He is co-founder and advisor of the Data Driven WVoutreach center at the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, as well as an active member of the Visiting Committee. Branham also serves as a key advisor to the Chambers College Center for Career Development, providing mentorship and coaching to empower students and alumni to achieve their career goals. With all of his accomplishments, he continues striving to enhance and elevate the University and his home state.

Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff

Lifelong West Virginia resident Rebecca Fint-Clarkgrew up immersed in 4-H programs, which furthered her passion for community engagement and celebrating the state's vibrant history. During her studies at WVU, Fint-Clark was named Ms. Mountaineer for her exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements. She graduated from the University with a bachelor's degree in physical education/teacher education and a master's degree in public health. Fint-Clark has continuously demonstrated her commitment to empowering the youth of West Virginia throughout her career.

She currently serves as the 4-H Extensionagent in Monongalia County and is an active member of the WVU Women's Leadership Initiative. Fint-Clark has developed and executed unique programs to instill a sense of pride in the state's history in the next generation. She has expanded the county's 4-H programs, growing youth participation and securing funds for scholarships, camps and STEM initiatives. Recognized for her service, Fint-Clark's work ensures that 4-H remains an inclusive, welcoming space where young people can thrive and build a sense of belonging.

Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer

Donna Staggs, a program manager for the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, has been an employee at WVU for 36 years. Staggs received her bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studieswith three minors - business administration, communication studiesand public relations- in 2017 to be a better ambassador for the University.

She loves the state of West Virginia but especially the University, which she praises through social media and personal interactions. Staggs embodies the Mountaineer values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation. Even with the option to retire, she continues to work due to her love for WVU and everything it stands for.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Rice
Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Foundation
304-554-0217; [email protected]

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