WVU Honors Four Students for Life-Saving Actions
West Virginia University presented honorary Mountaineer statues to four students who performed CPR and called 911 during two separate emergencies in early October.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Awards
WVU President Michael Benson and Dean of Students Carrie Showalter presented honorary Mountaineer statues to Hannah Marks, Julie Weiss, Jordan Sexstone, and Finn McKay during a student government meeting. The students were recognized for actions taken during the first week of October.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights how quick action by bystanders, including CPR and a 911 call, can affect outcomes before first responders arrive. For Morgantown and the university community, it underscores the value of bystander response training on campus.
Four students were honored for two separate incidents, one on October 7 at the Reynolds Hall Rec Center and one on October 11 before a football game. First responders reached the scene within minutes of the initial calls.
The players
West Virginia University
A public land-grant research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, whose student government recognized the four students.
Michael Benson
President of West Virginia University who presented the honorary Mountaineer statues to the students.
Carrie Showalter
Dean of Students at West Virginia University who joined in presenting the honorary statues.
The details
On October 7, junior electrical engineering student Logan Holbrook collapsed at the Reynolds Hall Rec Center; Julie Weiss directed Finn McKay to dial 911 while Jordan Sexstone administered CPR, and Holbrook was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital. On October 11, Hannah Marks helped perform CPR on an elderly man who fell in the light blue lot before a football game, working alongside Dr. Carmen Burrell of WVU Medicine and Student Health.
Timeline
October 7: Holbrook collapses at the Reynolds Hall Rec Center and bystanders call 911 and begin CPR.
October 11: An elderly man falls in the light blue lot before the football game and Marks assists with CPR.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: WVU Student Government Association meeting where the students receive honorary statues.
Culture Shift
Universities have increasingly formalized recognition for student bystanders who perform CPR, reflecting a broader push to train young adults in emergency response. This WVU ceremony places the Morgantown campus within that pattern of honoring everyday responders.
Students and residents in Morgantown can take CPR training to be ready to act like the students honored here. Knowing to call 911 immediately and begin chest compressions can make a difference before paramedics arrive.
The takeaway
Quick action by bystanders, from a 911 call to starting CPR, can bridge the gap until professional help arrives. Learning these skills is a practical step any campus community member can take.
Further reading
For more local recognition stories, browse Awards coverage across Morgantown.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAJR.
