Mountwest Foundation and Alumni

05/28/2026

"As a 55-year-old widow, a full-time student, and a first-generation college student, this support has had a profound impact on my life and my education."

After losing her husband of 29 years to COVID and later losing her job of 19 years, Charlotte made the life-changing decision to return to college and pursue a degree in Information Technology. After being out of high school for 35 years, the path was not always easy, but she persevered.

"Being the first in my family to attend college is both an honor and a challenge. I had been out of high school for 35 years, and pursuing a degree in Information Technology, so different from the world I knew back then, has been intimidating at times. There have been many obstacles along the way, but also moments of growth, resilience, and determination. Being the first in my family to attend college is both an honor and a challenge.”

Thanks to scholarship support from generous donors, Charlotte was able to continue her education without the overwhelming burden of financial stress. This spring, she graduated, proving it is never too late to begin again.

"This support has truly helped guide me through a difficult valley, and its impact on my confidence and ability to succeed is immeasurable. Thank you does not feel sufficient to express how grateful I am for your kindness, belief, and support.” 💙

If you're interested in learning more about how you can support students like Charlotte, you can visit https://www.mctc.edu/foundation/, or follow along Mountwest Foundation and Alumni.

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Mountwest President Joshua Baker and Marshall University’s Vice President for Economic & Workforce Development, Brandon Dennison, on their selection to serve on the 2026 Community Investment Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

HUNTINGTON, W.V.

05/27/2026

Mountwest alumni, did you know we have a page just for you? Give us a follow to stay up to date on all things Mountwest post-grad! 💙🎓

Mountwest Foundation and Alumni

05/13/2026

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/mountwest-140-first-generation-graduates-part-of-commencement/article_d47a9c29-252c-459f-95cd-4e2530ecd639.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawRxVY1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEecmnpiOhHmD6FgjIpNNrAJzSXb4cpLU3JKDAwjJluK9vJTLMJKnNdBnlO_1c_aem_tVRikJR_N3g9-wYuGcL0ow

Mountwest Community and Technical College celebrated its Class of 2026 during Saturday’s commencement ceremony, honoring 140 first-generation graduates and student speaker Kamryn Moore.

04/24/2026

https://wchstv.com/news/local/mountwest-hosts-cybersecurity-expo

04/21/2026

At our CNA Pinning Ceremony, we celebrate the next generation of caregivers.
These graduates are prepared to serve, support, and strengthen our communities through their work in healthcare.

Congratulations on this well-earned achievement! 🩺🌟

04/20/2026

We are celebrating an incredible milestone. 100% of December graduates passed both the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination, earning both CRT and RRT credentials. This achievement reflects the dedication of students, faculty, and the strength of the program. The future of respiratory care is in great hands. 🩺

04/06/2026

Congratulations to Mountwest alumni, Ray Canafax on his new position as the Chief of Weaverville Fire Department in North Carolina! Not only is he an alum, but Ray has also been a valued partner in developing Mountwest's Fire Science program. We are so proud of his achievements.

Ray Canafax has been named Weaverville Fire Department’s new chief, bringing more than three decades of experience to the position.

03/26/2026

The scholarship application for fall is open. Meet spring scholarship recipient, Sara! 🌟

"At 37 years old, as a small-town girl from rural Appalachian southern West Virginia, this scholarship means more to me than words can fully express. It has given me the opportunity to continue my education at Mountwest Community & Technical College, something I once doubted would be possible. Returning to school after many years, especially in a world of rapidly changing technology, and alongside a much younger generation, was intimidating at times. However, learning has always interested me, and I have always remained teachable. I excelled academically throughout school, and I am proud to say that same passion for learning has carried me forward today.

I am currently pursuing a major in Social Work with a minor in psychology, with the long-term goal of one day becoming a Licensed Counselor or Mental Health Therapist. I currently work in a faith-based treatment center as a CDCA and Case Manager, and my dream is to give back to others what was so freely given to me, hope, support, and compassion for those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. I hope to continue my education all the way through the master’s degree level in order to better serve others and my community."

03/20/2026

Last night’s annual Plates with a Purpose event was truly magical. ✨

This year, our Mountwest Center for Culinary Arts students partnered with Sip Downtown Brasserie in Huntington to create a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The evening featured a cocktail hour, provided by the team at Guyan Golf and Country Club, silent auction, and an incredible dining experience, all thoughtfully prepared by our talented students.

Every dollar raised goes directly back to supporting our students and their success.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, and a special shoutout to our Gold Sponsors, Marathon Petroleum Corporation and CJ Hughes. We appreciate everyone who came for helping make the night unforgettable!

If you weren’t able to attend this year but feel called to get involved, you can visit https://www.mctc.edu/foundation/ and follow Mountwest Foundation and Alumni to learn more!