Graduates receive $266,662 at annual awards ceremony
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) students in the Class of 2026 were recognized for their achievements during a Graduation Awards Ceremony on April 30. Graduation awards totaled $266,662, with students recognized in 33 categories including awards, scholarships and membership in national organizations.
This year’s class consisted of 183 graduates, with 80 graduates entering primary care residency programs and a 99% residency placement rate for the class.
The event recognized 19 students who graduated with honors. In addition, 26 students were recognized as members of Psi Sigma Alpha, a national osteopathic scholastic honor society. Eleven students were recognized with American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Certificates of Commendation for Academic Achievement. Thirty-eight students received cords reflecting their membership in Sigma Sigma Phi - Nu Chapter, a national osteopathic medicine fraternity that supports medical scholastic excellence.
One student received a stole recognizing membership in Omega Beta Iota, a national osteopathic political action honor society. Twenty-seven students from the Class of 2026 were inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, a national honor society comprising medical students, physicians and leaders who have been recognized for compassionate care. Thirteen graduates matched to military residencies.
WVSOM President James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., said the ceremony is one of the many ways to celebrate four years of achievements for students entering the workforce as new physicians.
“The end of the academic year is such an electrifying time, and we love having our graduates back on campus to celebrate years of hard work. This event helps ease some of the financial burden and debt many graduates incur when making the decision to serve others,” he said. “It is a true accomplishment to say someone graduated from medical school, and I’m glad we could celebrate them in this way. I’m proud of each and every graduate.”
Donette Mizia, WVSOM’s executive director of foundation relations, said it’s important to commemorate medical school milestones.
“The Graduation Awards Ceremony reflects the academic excellence of our students and the collective generosity that supports them along their journey,” she said. “These scholarships and awards help recognize years of dedication while relieving some of the financial pressure students carry into residency. Because of our donors’ continued commitment, we are able to celebrate achievement, expand opportunities and strengthen the future of health care in our communities.”
The Graduation Awards Ceremony celebrates fourth-year students’ memberships in various national honor societies and includes scholarships and awards specifically created for WVSOM through the school’s WVSOM Foundation and WVSOM Alumni Association. Those who wish to become financial supporters have a variety of options to contribute and can do so at www.wvsomfoundation.org/give-online or by calling 304-793-6852.
2026 Graduation Awards Ceremony recipients included:
- Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award — Ethaniel Galloway
- Student D.O. of the Year — Kristen Bowman
- WVSOM Alumni Association Roland P. Sharp Graduate Award — Thomas Skoff
- Olen E. Jones Jr. and WVSOM Foundation Academic Achievement Award — Esabelle Gervasio
- Opal Price Sharp Memorial Fund Award — Ashley Kapinos
- Olivia Claire Obrokta Pediatric Award — Josie Joseph
- National Health Service Corps Scholars — Hayley Cruz, Dylan Grimard and Apongnwu Tete
- WVSOM’s Rural Health Initiative — Hannah Ankrom, Alec Balon, Stephen Bechtel, Logan Christian, Kathryn Farrell, Reece Fletcher, John Gallagher, Ethaniel Galloway, Katherine Holmes, Anas Huggi, Valentina Menchero-Machado, Dina Mohamed-Aly, Carrie Proctor, Daniel Proctor, Robert Snidow III, Oran Trimble, William Underwood, Kassey Wagner and Sierra Wright
- MSOPTI West Virginia Primary Care Scholars Award — Hannah Ankrom, Cyrus Falsafi and Dylan Grimard
- West Virginia Emulation Endowment Trust/Dr. Olen E. Jones Jr. Scholarship — Hannah Ankrom and Benjamin Jack
- Legacy Scholarship Endowment Award — Ethaniel Galloway
- WVSOM Foundation Scholars Award — Patrick Farry II
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia Farson-Smith-Earley Award — Hannah Ankrom
- Donald Newell Sr. Memorial Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior — Logan Christian