As Mountaineers return for West Virginia University Homecoming, Oct. 12-18, the WVU Alumni Association will honor alumni whose leadership and service continue to strengthen the University and communities near and far.
Each of the 2026 Homecoming and Alumni Service Awards recipients has found different ways to carry the Mountaineer spirit forward through public service, philanthropy, mentorship, innovation, and an enduring commitment to WVU.
Outstanding Alumni Award
Three-time WVU graduate Anitra Hamilton (’00, ’01, ’04) has spent her career serving others through healthcare, education, public leadership, and community advocacy.
Hamilton earned WVU degrees in psychology, biology, and nursing, and has remained deeply connected to the University throughout her career. A longtime healthcare professional, Hamilton represents Monongalia County’s 81st District in the West Virginia House of Delegates. She serves as minority chair of the House Education Committee and minority vice chair of the House Health and Human Resources Committee.
Hamilton is also a past president of the Morgantown-Kingwood Branch of the NAACP and serves as an external advisor to the 100 Black Women at WVU student organization. She also serves as vice chair of the WVU Council for Gender Equity, having previously served as its chair, mentors students, supports scholarship initiatives, and continues her work through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. to strengthen the community.
Whether caring for patients, developing future leaders, or representing her constituents, Hamilton has built a record of service to WVU and the people of West Virginia.
Read the full story from WVU Today.