All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVU invites emerging leaders to apply for Hazel Ruby McQuain graduate scholarship

Leaders dedicated to advancing the Mountain State are invited to apply for the 2025 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship, administered by the WVU Office of Graduate Education and Life. (WVU Foundation Photo/Garrett Cullen)

West Virginians and leaders across the country who are dedicated to advancing the Mountain State are invited to apply for the 2025 Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship, administered by the West Virginia University Office of Graduate Education and Life.

Established in honor of Hazel Ruby McQuain’s legacy of service to West Virginia, the scholarship provides $20,000 annually to outstanding graduate students from any accredited higher education institution within the United States.

Full eligibility requirements and other details are listed on the scholarship webpage.

Eligible applicants must:

  • Exemplify the legacy of Hazel Ruby McQuain’s commitment to serving the people of West Virginia.
  • Have a record of public service and demonstrate leadership qualities.
  • Be a West Virginia resident, have significant ties to the state or be dedicated to bettering the lives of West Virginians.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Qualified applicants must complete the online application form by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 16. A graduate school/program acceptance letter, resume or curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and a personal statement are required as part of the application. Three letters of recommendation must also be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 27.

Questions about the Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship can be directed to GradEd@mail.wvu.edu.

Four Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship recipients were selected in 2024. Three are pursuing graduate degrees at WVU.

The scholarship’s late namesake was a businesswoman and benefactor devoted to the community development of Morgantown and the surrounding area.

She and her husband, John Wesley Ruby, moved to Morgantown in 1940 and launched business endeavors in agriculture, mining, road paving, poultry processing, feed mills and raising racehorses and miniature schnauzers. After Mr. Ruby’s death in 1972, Hazel served as president of Ruby Enterprises Inc. and later shifted her interests toward community service. In 1981, she was remarried to J. Burl “Mac” McQuain.

Mrs. McQuain’s donations to Morgantown and WVU established programs, recreational facilities, University chairs and more. Her generosity includes an $8 million gift to support the construction of J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, which is named in memory of her husband. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 93.

Her gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

WVWC Volleyball

Top-seeded Wesleyan volleyball falls to West Virginia State in MEC semis

Top-seeded West Virginia Wesleyan saw its season end at 20–9 after falling 3–0 (19–25, 28–30, 19–25) to West Virginia State in the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

Wesleyan nursing students collect more than 500 hygiene items and shoes for Upshur County students

A two-week drive organized by West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Nursing Department and Upshur County Schools collected more than 500 hygiene products and shoes for local students and families in need.

Charles Rodney “Rod” Godwin

Charles Rodney “Rod” Godwin, a beloved Buckhannon pharmacist, dedicated family man, avid outdoorsman, and longtime community servant known for his favorite chairs and warm hospitality, died peacefully at home November 14, 2025, aged 77.

From church to celebration space: Hampton Venue opens its doors for weddings, reunions and more

A renovated church in Hampton has reopened as the Hampton Venue, ready for weddings, reunions and other events. Owner Gary Connell held a ribbon cutting Nov. 21 and is taking bookings now — with a limited-time offer waiving rental fees if you serve food through Jaws BBQ.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 13: A lot of blowouts in the first-round of high school playoffs

The first round of the high school playoffs featured mostly blowouts and few upsets — only five lower seeds advanced, with Robert C. Byrd’s No. 14 win the biggest surprise. In Class AAAA, the top four seeds won by an average of 49 points.

Wesleyan volleyball wins tournament opener over Glenville State, 3-1

West Virginia Wesleyan defeated Glenville State 3-1 (25-23, 26-28, 25-22, 25-20) behind strong hitting from Emily Denison and balanced setting from Claire Wheeler to advance to the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

U.S. Attorney says dozens of defendants sentenced during government shutdown

United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced that his office facilitated more than 70 sentences during the 43-day government shutdown, including several defendants from Buckhannon, Clarksburg and Fairmont.

State superintendent approves Rock Cave Elementary closure; final vote set for Dec. 10 in Charleston

In a brief meeting Thursday night, a state-appointed official approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on behalf of State Superintendent Michelle Blatt. The decision now moves to the West Virginia Board of Education for a final vote. The five elected Upshur County Board of Education members had no say in the decision.

LUCAS to offer lung cancer screening in Green Bank, Elkins, Buckhannon and Rowlesburg

LUCAS, WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, will visit four West Virginia locations in December offering low-dose CT scans. Appointments must be made at least 14 days in advance.