Good morning, Morgantown.

GameChanger, the Morgantown-based drug awareness program led by Joe Boczek, was honored Thursday in Maryland with the Maj.

Gen. Arthur T. Dean Award from the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America — its highest honor. The program will build on this recognition as it expands prevention efforts in local schools.

WVU launches the Mountaineer Merit Program to give performance-based salary increases to eligible faculty and staff who show professional excellence.

College leaders will review performance this fall and notify successful candidates in mid-December, with changes taking effect on Dec. 27 (reflected on Jan. 22 pay statements).

WVU hosted a conversation exploring the Washington family's deep West Virginia ties on the eve of the nation's 250th anniversary; WVU President Michael Benson and Walter Washington (a fifth great-grandson of George Washington’s younger brother) discussed historic artifacts, including a family cookbook, at the West Virginia and Regional History Center.

West Virginia University will hold a bell-ringing ceremony on Wednesday on campus — honoring four late students — to mark the legacy of Peyton Pettry, James Smith, Matthew Powell, and Brayden Smith.

WVU homecoming week is underway as alumni, family and friends gather for a series of events including Thursday’s Ballin’ at Woodburn with basketball team exhibitions & the inauguration of President Benson, followed by a parade and royalty selection on Friday and Saturday.

ITS reminds students and employees to enable multifactor authentication on personal accounts for extra security as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month; experts recommend stronger methods like passkeys, hardware security keys & authenticator apps to help protect accounts.

Milan Puskar Health Right will host its third annual Oktoberfest Elimination Dinner on Oct.

23 at the Monongalia County Center (270 Mylan Park Lane) to offer a local community event celebrating health and tradition.

WVU football saw Prince Strachan step up in the loss to Arizona as he recorded five catches for 121 yards to help quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. overcome a changing receiver room—providing a much needed deep-ball option.