MORGANTOWN — Two West Virginia University seniors from the Northern Panhandle have been named to the university’s Order of Augusta, WVU’s most prestigious student award. Olivia Dowler of Weirton and Jillian Blair of Wheeling were among the eight named to the Order.

Dowler will graduate with degrees in history, philosophy and Spanish. This Foundation Scholar and first-generation college student has maintained a cumulative 4.0 grade-point average while working to expand resources for victims of sexual assault and amplify marginalized voices.

Blair will graduate with a degree in environmental and energy resources management and minors in sustainable design and geology. This 2020 Foundation Scholar has immersed herself in entrepreneurial and other opportunities to develop sustainable alternatives and build an equitable economy in Appalachia.

Several other Northern Panhandle natives were named among WVU’s Outstanding Seniors. They include:

• Ronan Butts; Wheeling, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering (Honors College)

• Riley Klug; New Martinsville, art history, anthropology (Honors College)

• Emily Loh; Wheeling, forensic chemistry (Honors College)

• Kylie Pell; Wheeling, communication sciences and disorders

• Justin Riggs; Wheeling, physics

“Each year, we honor our best and brightest May graduates with the WVU Order of Augusta and Outstanding Senior awards,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed said.

“These students are top of their class in many ways. Not only are they top performers in their academic coursework, but they are also leaders and changemakers with a passion for service. We are honored that they chose WVU as their home and look forward to their future success.”

Most of these students are members of WVU Honors College, some have maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average, and all of them have distinguished themselves in the classroom and in their communities.

“I am always in awe of everything these students have accomplished. Not only do they have stellar academics, their out of classroom experiences are amazing,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said.

“Those experiences are well-rounded and have made a positive impact on the WVU community. I look forward to seeing what their futures hold and have no doubt we will continue to see great things from these outstanding graduates.”

The Order of Augusta honorees, who are among 53 students named the WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors, will be recognized at a drop-in event from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 10 in Elizabeth Moore Hall, Betty Boyd Lounge.