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Mizerak taps Into WVU network to launch his education and career in sports

John Mizerak stands with arms crossed in a WVU tailgate area, wearing a camouflage West Virginia hoodie, a “Mountaineer Maniacs” hat, and a headset.

A conversation with a West Virginia University alumnus helped John Mizerak realize he didn’t have to leave sports behind after high school. The Mechanicsburg, Pa., native came to Morgantown to become a Mountaineer and major in sport management. Over three years with WVU Athletics Marketing, he worked his way up to a student assistant role, helping shape game-day experiences across multiple sports. After graduation, he will pursue his MBA at Western Kentucky University and serve as the marketing graduate assistant for women’s soccer and softball.

Band and books: Wright reflects on her WVU experience

Hope Wright plays the piccolo during a performance, wearing a full uniform with a tall feathered plume on her hat and a focused expression.

Hope Wright, an elementary education major from Franklin Park, Pa., was inspired by a teacher at an early age and knew she wanted to be a similar role model to others. At West Virginia University, she balanced her academics with her love of music as a member of "The Pride of West Virginia." Wright’s hands-on experience in area schools helped her grow into the kind of teacher she once looked up to and strengthened her goal of returning to teach in her hometown.

Letter To Younger Self: Emily Knorr

Emily Knorr Knorr poses for a headshot against a white background, smiling in a navy WVU athletic zip-up with the gold Flying WV logo.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Emily Knorr, a health and well-being student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Letter To Younger Self: Tori Zukowski

Tori Zukowski smiles while sitting on a rope swing in front of a calm body of water. She wears an outdoor jacket, and trees line the background.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Tori Zukowski, an elementary education student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Letter To Younger Self: Zsófi Bevardi

flashes a peace sign and smiles with eyes closed while wearing a “WVU Counseling” hoodie. She stands in front of a scenic view with trees and a city in the distance.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration,Zsoófi Bevardi, a counseling student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Letter To Younger Self: Lauren Marquart

Lauren Marquart smiles while standing outside in front of a brick building, wearing a mustard yellow sweater and a delicate necklace.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Lauren Marquart, an elementary education major from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. These letters are thoughtful reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Letter To Younger Self: Isaac Jones

poses wearing a white WVU hockey jersey with a shirt and tie underneath. He stands in front of a display of additional West Virginia hockey jerseys.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Isaac Jones, a health and well-being student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Letter To Younger Self: Sarah Krusinski

Sarah  Krusinski waves and smiles while holding a bouquet of flowers during a recognition event at the WVU Natatorium. She wears a Nike WVU jacket.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Sarah Krusinski, a health and well-being student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Hardesty adds to family teaching legacy

A graduating student poses on outdoor steps in front of a brick building, holding a decorated graduation cap that reads, “And then the student became the teacher – Miss Hardesty, 2025.”

Chloe Hardesty, an Elementary Education major from Marlinton, W.Va., inspired by her family's deep roots in education, embraced her passion for teaching early in life. During her time at WVU she found a community with her cohort and gained more than 900 hours of classroom experience that helped her develop her teaching style. On the verge of graduation, she will soon begin her career as a classroom teacher while also pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics.

Redman finds authentic self at WVU on path to leading others

Darius Redman stands in a white shirt outside with trees in the background.

Darius Redman came to WVU unsure of his path, but found his purpose through mentorship, field experience, and meaningful community connections. From student placements to coaching at Suncrest Middle School, he discovered the power of presence and positivity in education. A first-generation college graduate, Redman plans to take his Mountaineer skills and pride south to teach and coach cross country and track and field.