WVU – The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State

2025 ALMBS, ALMBS, ALMBS Articles, ALMBS Presenters, Boys State

A WVU Duo at Boys State: Dr. Gee and Dr. Atiles Share Insights on Leadership and Civic Duty

The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State is honored to welcome two respected leaders from West Virginia University to speak to this year’s Citizens: Dr. E. Gordon Gee, outgoing WVU President, and Dr. Jorge H. Atiles, Dean and Associate Vice President for WVU Extension and Land-Grant Engagement. Together, they represent decades of experience in public service, education, and leadership—and they bring with them a message of hope, empowerment, and community engagement.

Dr. E. Gordon Gee – Outgoing WVU President, Higher Education Icon, and Longtime Supporter of Boys State

Dr. E. Gordon Gee is one of the most recognized and enduring figures in American higher education. Having served as president of more universities than anyone in U.S. history—including West Virginia University (twice), The Ohio State University, Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and the University of Colorado—Dr. Gee’s legacy is built on visionary leadership, accessibility, and a deep passion for student success.

As he concludes his second presidency at WVU in June 2025, Dr. Gee leaves behind a legacy that includes academic innovation, the elevation of WVU to R1 research status, and expanded outreach through the university’s land-grant mission. Beyond academia, Dr. Gee has been a devoted supporter of youth leadership and civic education, including years of involvement with The American Legion Mountaineer Boys State program.

At ALMBS, Dr. Gee has regularly inspired Citizens with his wisdom, humor, and call to lead with purpose and humility. His enduring message: leadership is about service, integrity, and asking the right questions.

Source: WVU College of Law – E. Gordon Gee

Dr. Jorge H. Atiles – WVU Associate Vice President and Dean, Champion of Community Engagement

Dr. Jorge H. Atiles serves as WVU’s Associate Vice President for Land-Grant Engagement and Dean of WVU Extension. A key architect of the university’s statewide impact, Dr. Atiles oversees a vast array of initiatives that touch all 55 counties—from agriculture and 4-H youth development to family and community advancement.

Since joining WVU in 2020, Dr. Atiles has been a catalyst for transformation within Extension and the broader land-grant mission. With prior leadership roles at Oklahoma State University and the University of Georgia, and a doctoral degree from Virginia Tech, his academic and professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to service, education, and empowering communities.

Dr. Atiles’ presence at ALMBS reflects WVU’s commitment to youth development. His leadership underscores the belief that young people—especially those learning civic responsibility at Boys State—are essential to shaping the future of West Virginia.

Source: WVU Land-Grant Engagement – Jorge Atiles

June 9, 2025/0 Comments

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Jerry West: The Mountaineer Boys State Alum Who Became Mr. Clutch

Jerry West, the legendary figure whose silhouette defines the NBA logo, left an indelible mark on basketball and on the hearts of those at Mountaineer Boys State. West, who attended the program in 1955 as a Nationalist in Gilmer cottage, passed away today, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.

In his memoir, West recounts the pivotal summer of ’55, when he returned from Boys State to meet Fred Schaus, West Virginia’s coach, who would be the first to recruit him. It was at Boys State, held at Jackson’s Mill, where he met Willie Akers, forming a friendship and a competitive bond that would last a lifetime. West’s performance at Boys State not only showcased his athletic prowess but also instilled in him a newfound self-confidence and a sense of belonging.

His time at Boys State was a precursor to his storied career, from his heroic plays at West Virginia University to his enduring legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers. West’s journey from the courts of Morgantown to the glitz of Los Angeles was marked by the same determination and humility he carried from his days at Boys State.

West’s commitment to nurturing young talent, whether at fantasy camps or through mentoring, mirrored the values he cherished from Boys State—self-improvement and the pursuit of dreams. His departure to Los Angeles in 1960 may have been his third from home, but it was his time at Boys State that laid the foundation for a lifetime of achievements.

As we remember Jerry West, we celebrate not just a basketball icon, but a Mountaineer who exemplified the spirit of Boys State—leadership, community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rest in peace, Jerry West, the “Men of Tomorrow” will continue to be inspired by your story.

June 12, 2024/0 Comments

2024 ALMBS, ALMBS, ALMBS Articles, Events

Empowering Future Leaders: Keynote WVU President E. Gordon Gee Address ALMBS

Dr. E. Gordon Gee, currently serving his second term as the President of West Virginia University, is a distinguished leader in higher education with a career spanning over three decades. Born in Vernal, Utah, Dr. Gee graduated from the University of Utah with an honors degree in history and earned his J.D. and Ed.D degrees from Columbia University. He has held more university presidencies than any other American, including at The Ohio State University (twice), Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and the University of Colorado. In 2009, Time magazine named him one of the top 10 university presidents in the United States. Dr. Gee’s commitment to education extends beyond administration; he is the co-author of over a dozen books on law and education. Today, we are honored to have him as our keynote speaker at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.

June 10, 2024/0 Comments

2024 ALMBS, ALMBS, ALMBS Articles, ALMBS Presenters, Boys State, Events

Voice of the Mountaineers: A Keynote by Tony Caridi at ALMBS, Followed by an Enlightening Presentation on Americanism and the U.S. Flag Code

Tony Caridi, known as “The Voice of the Mountaineers,” is a renowned sportscaster for West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Sports Network and West Virginia Radio Corporation’s Metronews Radio Network. Born on September 8, 1962, in Lockport, New York, Caridi’s passion for sports broadcasting was sparked by listening to the NBA’s Buffalo Braves, the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, and the NFL’s Buffalo Bills1. He graduated from Syracuse University’s S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1984. Caridi arrived in West Virginia in 1984 and has been a vital part of the state’s sports broadcasting scene ever since. In addition to his broadcasting career, Caridi is also a children’s book author. Today, we are honored to have him as a keynote speaker at the American Legion Mountaineer Boys State.

Tony Caridi’s presentation is followed by the ALMBS Americanism Team for a presentation on the United States Flag Code and Flag Etiquette. Today, we delved into the significance, the respect, and the protocol associated with our nation’s flag. The Stars and Stripes is not just a piece of fabric; it’s a symbol of our nation’s history, values, and unity. Understanding the Flag Code and proper flag etiquette is a way for us to show our respect and gratitude for our nation and those who have served it. So, let’s embark on this journey of learning and deepen our appreciation for the Star-Spangled Banner.

June 10, 2024/0 Comments

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