Eight remarkable members of the West Virginia University Class of 2025 who have distinguished themselves through academic excellence and by making significant contributions on campus, across the Mountain State and beyond have been honored with the Order of Augusta, the most prestigious University student award.
Most of these students are members of the Honors College and have maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average while working toward their undergraduate degrees in a range of disciplines, and all of them are critical thinkers who are poised to address global challenges and drive positive change for a more prosperous society.
The Order of Augusta honorees, who are among 49 students named the WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors, will be recognized at a drop-in event from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 16, in Elizabeth Moore Hall, Betty Boyd Lounge.
Ty Landis of Buckhannon was honored as an Outstanding Senior.
“Every year, I continue to be in awe of the WVU Outstanding Seniors,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “They have made incredible contributions to WVU, the state and the nation. As the top 1% of their graduating class, I have no doubt their futures are bright. We’ll continue to see great accomplishments that make our world better from these outstanding graduates.”
The 2025 Order of Augusta scholars are:
Suraya Boggs, a member of the Honors College from Spencer, will graduate with degrees in sociology and anthropology and a minor in law and legal studies. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she conducted research and actively engaged in extracurricular activities that align with her passion for social justice and human rights.
Read more about Boggs.
Laasya Chennuru, a member of the Honors College from Martinsburg, will graduate with degrees in biology and psychology. The 2021 Foundation Scholar achieved academic success while also conducting research, and demonstrating a commitment to advocating for marginalized groups locally and abroad.
Read more about Chennuru.
Gabrielle Frazier, a member of the Honors College from Martinsburg, graduated in December 2024 with degrees in geography and English and a minor in political science. She maintained a 4.0 GPA while serving in several leadership roles on campus and performing research focused on the creation of sustainable and equitable communities in Appalachia.
Read more about Frazier.
Luke Hawranick, a member of the Honors College from Fairmont, will graduate with degrees in mathematics and computer science with an emphasis in cybersecurity and a minor in statistics. In addition to his coursework, he maintained a 4.0 GPA while immersed in rigorous research that reflects his interests in algorithm design and discrete mathematics.
Read more about Hawranick.
Charlie Long, a member of the Honors College from Charleston, will graduate with degrees in political science and philosophy and a minor in English. The 2024-25 Student Government Association president has maintained a 4.0 GPA while fulfilling his academic requirements in multiple disciplines, traveling abroad and serving as a leader focused on elevating the student experience at WVU.
Read more about Long.
Isaac McCarthy, a member of the Honors College from Gerrardstown, will graduate with a degree in music and minor in Appalachian music. The 2021 Foundation Scholar has excelled academically while engaging in research, immersing himself in diverse musical experiences, and working to sustain the WVU Bluegrass Band and Old-Time Band in honor of its former director and faculty advisor Travis Stimeling’s legacy.
Read more about McCarthy.
Mary Roush from Mason will graduate with a degree in advertising and public relations and a minor in sport communication. The 68th Mountaineer mascot has excelled academically while actively participating in extracurricular activities, community service, research and internship opportunities.
Read more about Roush.
Christopher Smith, a member of the Honors College from Point Pleasant, will graduate with a degree in biomedical engineering and minor molecular medicine. This first-generation college student has maintained a 4.0 GPA while immersed in breast cancer research, studying abroad and actively engaging in extracurricular activities.
Read more about Smith.
The following WVU Outstanding Seniors are members of the Honors College:
- Emma Adams, Frederick, Maryland, animal and nutritional sciences and marketing
- Brianna Buccini, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, industrial engineering
- Mason Cantwell, Parkersburg, exercise physiology
- Allison Carranza, Morgantown, forensic chemistry
- Courtney Cobb, Parkersburg, biology
- Riley Coulter, Hurricane, biomedical engineering
- Madalena Daugherty, Weirton, biochemistry
- Nya Feinstein, Lancaster, Ohio, data science, Russian studies, international studies
- Davis Funk, Martinsburg, mathematics, mechanical engineering
- Wyatt Gaines, Morgantown, international studies
- Abigail Keefover, Fairmont, immunology and medical microbiology
- Natalie Keim, Glen Dale, biomedical engineering
- Ty Landis, Buckhannon, biology
- Emily Mago, Morgantown, management information systems
- Cayli Maxwell, Tunnelton, psychology and organizational leadership
- Robert Mente, Bridgewater, New Jersey, industrial engineering
- Mary-Katherine Morris, Inwood, management information systems
- Vanessa Mueller, Clarksburg, Maryland, biochemistry
- Mason Nunley, Charleston, immunology and medical microbiology
- Wesley Schauer, Morgantown, biochemistry
- Bailey South, Jamestown, New York, anthropology, history
- Kayla Workman, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, management information systems
The remaining WVU Outstanding Seniors include the following:
- Rahat Arefy, Damascus, Maryland, marketing
- Rena Ben-Eliezer, Hunter, New York, supply chain management
- Luke Brumback, White Post, Virginia, civil engineering
- Ella Dietz, Weirton, international studies
- Maelee Henderson, Clarksburg, political science with pre-law emphasis
- Madison Holland, Elkins, biology with med-human health emphasis
- Savannah Jones, Bridgeport, journalism
- Sarah Krusinski, Liberty Township, Ohio, health and well-being
- Abbie Lieving, West Columbia, chemical engineering
- Lauren Marquart, Triadelphia, elementary education
- Cody Mitchell, Upper Tract, agribusiness management and applied economics
- Madison Morgan, Wheeling, chemical engineering
- Olivia Nixon, Morgantown, music education
- John Pino, Weirton, management information systems
- Patrick Sheehan, Stamping Ground, Kentucky, psychology
- Dakota Swiger, Bridgeport, journalism
- Quinn Wooten, South Charleston, political science and international studies
- Jordan Yoak, Grantsville, exercise physiology
- Abbey Yuhasz, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, coaching and performance science
Established in 1995 to mark the 40th anniversary of the WVU Foundation, the Outstanding Senior award honors students for their contributions and achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.
The Order of Augusta further recognizes superior scholarship, demonstrated leadership, and a record of community and public service. The award is named for its historical significance in the state. Augusta was among the original names considered by the Legislature when what is now West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1863.
