Becoming a Mountaineer

Community, communication and service
Friday, August 17, 2018

Over this weekend, approximately 3,700 new students will settle in at Appalachian for the first time. Welcome! We’ve been waiting for you! This is an important step in your lives and we are eager to be part of it.

Those of you who are new to Appalachian: Your returning classmates, staff and faculty will tell you, becoming a Mountaineer is more than moving in and attending class. We share a deep appreciation for this community — and each other — that is palpable. You’ll discover it in a number of ways: a door held open, a concerned email, an unexpected invitation. I hope you embrace the community and find ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and opportunities to serve.

During the year, I regularly communicate with students, staff and faculty, and monthly with all of our alumni, friends and fans. I invite staff and faculty to join me at their respective monthly gatherings, and when students choose to share their thoughts and ideas, I know they will find doors — and minds — open across campus.

Two upcoming events clearly reflect the Mountaineer values we celebrate:

  • Our speaker at the Black and Gold Convocation on Monday is the mother of Matthew Shepard — the victim of a hate crime in 1998. She has used her personal tragedy to advocate compassion, inclusion and understanding.
  • The 18th Big Sale opens at 8 a.m. tomorrow. The evolution of a student’s ‘big idea,’ the sale is a way to re-source residence hall items collected each spring. The Big Sale has donated more than $230,000 in scholarships and minigrants to nonprofits since it began in 2001.

Our newest students will have fresh ideas to contribute to the Appalachian Community as they learn from those of you returning what it means to be a Mountaineer.

/s/ Sheri Everts

Sheri Everts, Chancellor