Alumni Spotlights
Articles
- Catamount Alumni Reminisce about Meeting Their Future Spouses at PSC
- Alumni and Ag Expert Terry Hauser Shares Farming Realities
- Alumni Spotlight: Dwain Wilkinson
- Notable Alumnus: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
- National Women in Agriculture Honoree Dr. Megan Webb
- Retired Decorated Navy Admiral is Commencement Speaker
Catamount Alumni Reminisce about Meeting Future Spouses at PSC
The Potomac State Alumni Association solicited followers on its social media for real-life love stories — the stuff of Hallmark Channel romances and Lifetime movies with the kinds of plot twists Shonda Rhimes only dreams about. The responses they received were richer than the contents of a red velvet box of chocolates. We reached out to those who replied to that post, asking for more of the hearts, flowers, details, and even a photo or two.
Alumni and Ag Expert Terry Hauser Shares Farming Realities
You say you want to own a cow? You could have your own source of dairy within walking distance of your back porch. You could just mosey out there every morning and point Bessie toward your coffee cup, and she’s going to fully cooperate. Right?
Think again. Owning your first dairy cow can be a complicated and even expensive process with steps and measures that many do not often consider, notes Terry Hauser, one of West Virginia University’s newest members to its Board of Governors.
Hauser was invited to speak to the Homesteading Club of WVU Potomac State College by his daughter, Isabelle Hauser, a sophomore majoring in agricultural education.
“We try to get guest speakers to come and speak at least once a month,” Isabelle Hauser said. “And Dad likes to talk, so I figured he would be a natural.”
Alumni Spotlight: Dwain Wilkinson
From the outside looking in, there may have seemed nothing superficially special about young Dwain Edward Wilkinson from Trout, West Virginia. Born September 15, 1912, Dwain entered the world into a family that was already well-known within their community. His father was and his grandfather had been Justices of the Peace. He even served as the recording clerk for his father.
Yet, for young Dwain, he already knew what he did not want to do for a living. He did not want to work in an office or a courtroom. He wanted to work outside with his hands. He had no desire to hold public office. Then came a fateful visit from a man who would introduce himself as an instructor from what was then known as Potomac State School.
Notable Alumnus: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
He is known today as one of the most prolific Black voices in this country. Weekly, he can be found helping famous people trace their genealogy. He counts former President Barack Obama and entertainer Oprah Winfrey among his closest friends. And he is an alum at Potomac State College.
Henry Louis Gates Jr. grew up in Piedmont, West Virginia. He was given an honorary degree by WVU Potomac State in 1999, symbolically receiving the Associate of Arts degree he had started on campus in 1968.
His closest friends and family in the area simply call him Skip.
National Women in Agriculture Honoree Dr. Megan Webb
Dr. Megan J. Webb, a sixth-generation agriculturalist from Mineral County, was recently honored during National Women in Agriculture Day by West Virginia Senator and former Governor Jim Justice, recognizing the vital contributions of women in agriculture. Dr. Webb serves as the Director of Development at WVU Potomac State College.
Raised in nearby Burlington, Webb grew up in the heart of the Potomac Highlands, where she said that "farming, faith, and community are deeply intertwined. In this region, the land teaches lessons that go far beyond the field — instilling resilience, stewardship, and a deep appreciation for serving something greater than oneself."
Her connection to Potomac State College runs generations deep, shaping both her personal and professional journey and reflecting the enduring impact of its land-grant mission.
Retired Decorated Navy Admiral to Speak at Commencement
( Note: This article was written prior to Commencement held on Saturday, May 9, which has since past, of course. However, the content focuses on the Commencement speaker’s lifetime achievements and wisdom learned along the way. It is definitely a worthwhile read. )
For everything Admiral Joe Lopez has accomplished in his impressive career with the U.S. Navy, he still believes his first lessons in how to overcome failures, how to become resilient, and how to lead were inspired by his two years spent at WVU Potomac State College.
“I wasn’t the best student. I was a disappointment to myself my first semester at Potomac State,” he said. “I actually got an F in mathematics, and I was so hard on myself. But I overcame all of that to graduate Cum Laude.”
Admiral Lopez is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the 123rd commencement exercises for Potomac State College on May 9. His address will focus on leading a life of purpose and service.
Lopez’s 39-year naval career culminated in tours as Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces, Southern Europe. Additionally, he served as Commander of all U.S. and Allied Bosnia Peace Keeping Forces, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Warfare Requirements and Assessments, Commander of the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet, Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, and Director of Current Operations for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Earlier career highlights include Commanding Officer, River Assault Division 153, Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and service in the destroyer navy, including Commanding Officer of USS Stump and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 32.
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