Maybe it was a mentor who opened the door to new opportunities, a class that changed their outlook on the world, or a student group where they met life-long friends—for alumni all over the world, their WVU experience changed the course of their lives.

Today, as part of WVU?s Inauguration week activities, five of those alumni have returned to campus for a panel discussion during President Mike Garrison?s Political Science 321 class.

A live webcast will be available. Quicktime is required to view video and can be downloaded at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/.

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President Garrison began this afternoon’s class by introducing members of what he described as an “all-star” panel:

Capt. Lee Ann Campbell

Capt. Lee Ann Campbell, bachelor?s degree, sociology and anthropology, 2001—Capt. Campbell?s prior duty assignments include the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. She served in Operation Iraqi Freedom II and also supported Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts.

Sarah Culberson

Sarah Culberson, bachelor?s degree in fine arts, theatre, 1998—Culberson?s extensive acting and dancing career includes theater, movies, television, and commercials. She is also executive director of Kposowa Foundation.

Stacy Humphreys

Stacy Humphreys, bachelor?s and master?s degrees, history, 2000 and 2002—Humphreys has serves as a park ranger/historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia.

Bill McCartney

Bill McCartney, bachelor?s degree, chemical engineering, 1995—McCartney currently manages more than $250 million in natural gas storage and transportation assets for Vitol Inc., an industry leader in the global energy market.

Dr. Brian Noland

Dr. Brian Noland, bachelor?s and master?s degrees, political science —Dr. Noland is chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Policy Commission.

Carrie Webster

Carrie Webster, bachelor?s degree, political science, 1988 and juris doctorate, WVU College of Law, 1997—Webster represents the 31st district in Kanawha County in the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Dr. Deb Wituski

Dr. Deb Wituski, bachelor?s and master?s degrees, political science, 1991 and 1994—She has worked at the Central Intelligence Agency since 1999.

Class members submitted questions for the panelists. Topics discussed ranged from their formative experiences as undergraduates at WVU to specific aspects of their current jobs.

Carrie Webster—“Put yourself in a position where you?ll be number two or number three, because it will make you a better leader,” she said, remembering her decision to run for the position of student body vice president at WVU.

Sarah Culberson—“Take risks ? just go after and sometimes it unfolds for you.”

Capt. Lee Ann Campbell—“WVU is still changing my life. The thing that took me out into the world was that I gained social, financial, and academic independence. The leadership experience that I got here at the University has carried me through.”

Stacy Humphreys—“Get to know your professors. During my six years here I came to know my professors, they came to know me. They will support you if you need them.”

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