Lucas Hoylman (left) a general studies major from Morgantown, W.Va., was presented
with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for February 2025, by President Jerry
Wallace at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Lucas Hoylman, a general studies major from Morgantown, W.Va., is the recipient of the February Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Hoylman is a member of the Esports team, attends many activities on campus and volunteers his time and talent photographing businesses to help promote the local community.
“Lucas has been one of the most thoughtful students that I have met thus far in my career,” Biology Instructor Farren Smith said. “He thinks deeply about things most students take for granted. For instance, some of the biological specimens we have are real. Most students just find this fact cool or gross, but Lucas stopped and posed questions when he found out… ‘who do you think they were? Were they happy? Does their family know they’re here?’”
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
Despite coming from a marginalized background, Hoylman is trying to pave his way in the world and figure things out for himself, without aid or direction from relatives. Not wanting to become like some of the people he experienced as a child, Hoylman is finding new things that interest him and is investigating how to make a life and career out of the things he is passionate about.
As a kid and young adult leaving military school, he was always intrigued by bones he found on hikes in the forest. It wasn’t until coming to college that he discovered that career scientists preserve biological specimens to study anatomy and taxonomy.
“Ms. Smith is wonderful and has helped me tremendously during the past two semesters. She encouraged me to start studying organismal biology and check out library books on different topics,” Hoylman said.
Future educational and career aspirations include transferring to Coastal Carolina University where he plans to study marine biology. Hoylman would eventually like to work with a company that creates ethically sourced education samples.
One of Hoylman’s favorite quotes was spoken by the character Hogarth Hughs in the movie, The Iron Giant, “…you are who you choose to be.”