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Students from the College of Applied Human Sciences are ready to lead, teach and serve

A student presents his fresh diploma to family in the crowd

The College of Applied Human Sciences will celebrate commencement on Sunday, May 18, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will earn their degrees this weekend.

Hope Wright combined her passion for education and music through field experience and performances with “The Pride of West Virginia.” Chloe Hardesty, inspired by her family’s legacy in education, logged more than 900 hours in local classrooms and will now teach while pursuing a master’s degree.

'Victory starts in the mind': The mantra behind Sandra Ayivor’s milestones

Sandra Ayivor stands in formal attire in front of a photograph in an office.

Before the sun could rise over the market stalls in Ghana, a young Sandra Ayivor was already on her feet—completing her house chores, setting up tables, organizing wares, and helping her “auntie” prepare for the day’s sales. Then, with barely a pause, she made the long walk to school. There was no complaint. No thought of another way. It was just what needed to be done.

“It’s just what I did,” she says simply, reflecting on her upbringing in a God-fearing home where the values of faith, hard work, determination, and kindness were instilled and serve as the bedrock of who she is today.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.