LEWISBURG, WV – Students from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) Class of 2025 were honored for their achievements in medical school during a Graduation Awards Ceremony on May 1.
Graduation awards totaled $87,400, with students receiving recognition in 33 categories such as awards, scholarships, and membership in national organizations.
This year’s class consisted of 185 graduates, with 98 of them entering primary care residency programs, resulting in a 100% residency placement rate.
The event honored 19 students who had graduated with honors. In addition, 28 students were inducted into Psi Sigma Alpha, the national osteopathic scholastic honor society. Twelve students received American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Certificates of Commendation for Academic Achievement.
Thirty-one students were given cords indicating their membership in Sigma Sigma Phi – Nu Chapter, a national osteopathic medicine fraternity that promotes medical scholastic excellence.
Thirty-one students from the Class of 2025 were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a national organization of medical students, physicians, and leaders who have been recognized for providing compassionate care. Thirteen graduates received recognition for their military service.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., described the ceremony as an exciting opportunity to recognize and reward students for their accomplishments.
“I am proud of all of our students and their numerous accomplishments. It is truly amazing to see such gifted people devote their lives to helping others,” he said.
This was the first year for the Triplett Scholarship, which was funded by the WVSOM Foundation, a supporting organization whose mission is to serve the school and its students by securing, managing, and allocating financial contributions from businesses and individuals.
The scholarship was established to honor a graduate of George Washington or Man high schools who also ranks in the top 10% of his or her class. Alternatively, students from Kanawha or Logan counties are being considered. Madison Marshall was this year’s recipient.
Marshall, a native of St. Albans, West Virginia, expressed her gratitude for being the first WVSOM graduate to receive the school’s newest scholarship.
“This award, especially given the West Virginia criteria, makes me proud. “Being from a small town and being awarded this scholarship means everything to me,” she explained.
“I am grateful that someone was willing to pay it forward and give back to future physicians. I am glad there are people who want to give back and ease our debt, and I hope to do the same in the future.”
Marshall will begin an orthopedic surgery residency with Community Memorial Health System in Ventura, California.
Donette Mizia, WVSOM’s executive director of foundation relations, stated that the increase in scholarships is encouraging for the continued support of future WVSOM graduates.
“It is always inspiring to see our students recognized for their hard work, and the Graduation Awards Ceremony highlights what a difference donor support can make,” she told the audience. “Watching our scholarship funds grow, including the introduction of the Triplett Scholarship, is exciting and demonstrates how our community is stepping up to invest in the next generation of physicians. We are grateful to our donors, whose generosity directly contributes to the success of our graduates.”
The Graduation Awards Ceremony honors fourth-year students’ memberships in various national scholastic honor societies, as well as scholarships and awards established specifically for WVSOM by the school’s WVSOM Foundation and WVSOM Alumni Association.
