NC West Virginia News

Philanthropic contributions are enhancing opportunities for students at West Virginia University (WVU) to engage in community-building activities while developing essential skills for future success. The Gruver Family Evergreen Fund has allocated over $50,000 to support the Well-Being Adventure Series and Mountaineer Meet Ups, initiatives aimed at fostering connections and improving mental health among college students.

Nathan Harlan, executive director of the WVU Office of Student Wellness, highlighted the importance of early intervention in student well-being: “We sometimes refer to students’ well-being as a watershed. The earlier we get to these students higher up in the watershed, the earlier we can address some of their challenges before loneliness becomes isolation and exacerbates depression and anxiety.”

The Well-Being Adventure Series is a collaboration between Adventure WV and the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services. It combines educational lessons with outdoor activities. Harlan explained that such settings help connect students: “What we know from the freshman orientation trips we’ve been running for nearly 20 years is that the outdoor context and environment really helps connect students.”

Carruth Center counselors participate in these trips to provide lessons on coping, resiliency, and well-being. Director T. Anne Hawkins emphasized that this interaction helps students feel more comfortable seeking help when needed.

Mountaineer Meet Ups are peer-led groups based on shared interests, offering a space for students who might not typically join student organizations to build community. Hawkins noted its significance post-pandemic: “It really is a very intentional way to help students find their place.”

Both programs are cost-neutral; participants pay a $10 fee reimbursed upon attendance. A grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission initially funded these programs, which have grown with support from the Gruver Fund.

Dave Gruver established this fund to support mental health initiatives at WVU. He observed challenges young adults face in workplace environments: “We can teach skills, but we can’t necessarily teach wellness, resiliency, grit and understanding that disappointment and failure are probably the best teachers for learning and growth.”

Gruver stressed disconnecting from technology as vital for health. His Monroe County cabin rental proceeds contribute to his fund supporting these initiatives.

WVU freshman Nevaeh Nesmith participated in a flower-picking trip through the Well-Being Adventure Series after her first-year experience with Adventure WV. She appreciated stepping away from academic stress: “It’s kind of a different experience when you’re able to go off campus... I got to step away from the stress of school.”

Data indicates both programs effectively reach lonely or disconnected students who report improvements after participation. Harlan believes targeting smaller groups will make a lasting impact on campus life.

Hasith Perera, an international doctoral student at WVU involved with Mountaineer Meet Ups during summer months when activities dwindle, leads a group focused on engaging graduate students outside labs. He values meeting people across disciplines: “Through the Mountaineer Meet Ups... you get to meet people doing different things... I think it’s absolutely a great idea.”