The 2026 Order of Augusta inductees include Ronalie Abeyratne, top row from left, Marcus Caldeira, Emma Fleming, Isabella Hart, Ella Holley, second row from left, Jarell Galido Rimando, Gabriele Smith and Andrea Spiker. (WVU Graphic)
Six members of the West Virginia University Class of 2026 and two December 2025 graduates have earned the Order of Augusta, the University’s most prestigious honor for academic excellence, leadership and service. The eight inductees were selected from the 52 WVU Foundation Outstanding Seniors.
Most of this year’s cohort are from the Honors College and, overall, the group represents a diverse range of backgrounds, including two ROTC cadets, a professional soccer player, a curious storyteller, an aerospace engineer, an aspiring neurosurgeon and two emerging business professionals.
The Order of Augusta honorees and Outstanding Seniors will be recognized at a drop-in event from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, in Elizabeth Moore Hall, Betty Boyd Lounge.
“The WVU Outstanding Seniors showcase what it means to lead with purpose, serve with integrity and make the most of their time at this University,” Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Life Carrie Showalter said. “Their impact can be felt across our campus and beyond, and they have set great examples for their peers.
Being named among the top 1% of their graduating class is an extraordinary achievement, and I’m so excited to see how they carry their talents, leadership and Mountaineer spirit into what comes next.”
The 2026 Order of Augusta scholars are:
Ronalie Abeyratne, a member of the Honors College from Colombo, Sri Lanka,
is graduating with a degree in
biology pre-medical and a minor in molecular medicine. As a student in the
WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, she dedicated much of her undergraduate
career to advancing neurological and ophthalmological research, as well as community
leadership and service.
Read more about Abeyratne.
Marcus Caldeira, a professional forward for Minnesota United FC, graduated
in December 2025 with a degree in
finance with an emphasis in investments. A Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, native
and first-generation college student, Caldeira maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing
rigorous coursework and establishing himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes
in the history of the
WVU men’s soccer team.
Read more about Caldeira.
Emma Fleming, a member of the Honors College from Parkersburg, is graduating
with dual degrees in
English and
multidisciplinary media studies, with minors in journalism, entertainment media
and strategic social media. As a student in the Eberly College and a 2022
Foundation Scholar, Fleming built a professional foundation combining her passion
for storytelling and strategic communications.
Read more about Fleming.
Isabella Hart, a member of the Honors College and 2021
Neil S. Bucklew Scholar from Hurricane, graduated with dual degrees in
mechanical and
aerospace engineering in December 2025. Following graduation, she moved to
Sterling, Virginia, to begin her career as an associate guidance navigation and
control engineer at Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems division.
Read more about Hart.
Ella Holley, a member of the Honors College from Pickerington, Ohio, is graduating
with dual degrees in
international studies and
criminology, and minors in Russian studies and military science. A student
in the Eberly College and an
Army ROTC cadet, she built her undergraduate experience on a foundation of
leadership and a commitment to service.
Read more about Holley.
Jarell Galido Rimando, a member of the Honors College and first-generation
immigrant from the Philippines, is graduating with a degree in
accounting and a minor in
finance. An emerging business professional, she successfully balanced internships
with community building, cultural engagement and peer mentorship.
Read more about Rimando.
Gabriele Smith, an
Air Force ROTC cadet from Forestville, New York, is graduating with dual degrees
in
philosophy and
multidisciplinary studies, with her multidisciplinary degree composed of minors
in leadership studies, religious studies and aerospace studies.
Read more about Smith.
Alexandria Spiker, a member of the Honors College from Morgantown, is graduating
with a degree in finance with an emphasis on investments, and minors in law and
legal studies, leadership studies and insurance. At the
WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, she led efforts to foster
student success and economic opportunity.
Read more about Spiker.
The following WVU Outstanding Seniors are members of the Honors College:
- Morgan Baker, Morgantown, data science
- Keira Bruce, Columbia, Maryland, management information systems
- Kelsey Clodfelter, Hershey, Pennsylvania, technical art history
- Maci Cook, Bridgeport, nursing
- Addison Dobson, Dayton, Ohio, sport, exercise and performance psychology
- Zohra Feliachi, Morgantown, exercise physiology
- Isabella Ferrell, Morgantown, international studies
- Chloelle Fitz, Fairmont, computer engineering
- Jessica Fuss, Shepherdstown, biochemistry
- Anna Goldizen, Cabins, journalism
- Clayton Hammond, Bridgeport, accounting
- Mia Hang, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, biomedical lab diagnostics
- Corinne Hazel, Delaware, Ohio, environmental microbiology
- Logan Kalman, Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, supply chain management
- Caroline Kelley, Havre De Grace, Maryland, biomedical engineering
- Grady King, Morgantown, data science
- Carter Leadmon, Hurricane, computer science
- Julia Leyden, Morgantown, history
- Camryn Morgan, Fairmont, English
- Payton Ogden, Morgantown, advertising and public relation
- Amaira Palmer, Clendenin, immunology and medical microbiology
- Kaelyn Pavlick, Charles Town, advertising and public relations
- Logan Pierce, Carolina, international studies
- Diego Reyes, Morgantown, management information systems
- Abby Ruth, Fallston, Maryland, biochemistry
- Stephanie Sarfo, Martinsburg, political science
- Olivia Schmieder, Novi, Michigan, human nutrition and foods
- Gabriella Sergent, Martinsburg, advertising and public relations
- Erin Skaff, Morgantown, industrial relations and human resources
- Mia Tallman, El Paso, Texas, political science
- Zachary Taylor, Spencer, computer engineering
- Lauren Taylor, Wheeling, advertising and public relations
- Andrew Tiu, Wheeling, biochemistry
- Sheridan Tolley, Morgantown, neuroscience
- Isabella Tuzzio, Shepherdstown, biology pre-medical
- Samuel Ulicny, Allentown, Pennsylvania, immunology and medical microbiology
- Alliese Walker, Morgantown, communication studies
- Kenneth Wang, Morgantown, biomedical engineering
- Sarah Warder, Marlinton, chemistry
The remaining WVU Outstanding Seniors include the following:
- Rylee Brown, Kearneysville, agricultural and extension education
- Keely Gregory, Bruceton Mills, nursing
- Benjamin Lambert, Morgantown, music performance: jazz studies
- Matthew Olivero, Hurricane, political science
- Ashly Yost, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, music education
Established in 1995 to mark the 40th anniversary of the WVU Foundation, the Outstanding Senior award honors students for their contributions and achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.
The Order of Augusta further recognizes superior scholarship, demonstrated leadership, and a record of community and public service. The award is named for its historical significance in the state. Augusta was among the original names considered by the Legislature when what is now West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1863.