BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  –  Twenty-seven West Virginia Wesleyan College students had an incredible opportunity recently to travel to Washington, D.C.  for some high-impact professional networking and career development training.

The trip was hosted and sponsored by Tad Rupp, a partner at Targeted Victory, according to Dr. Justin Bowers, Director of Career Services and Experiential Learning at WVWC.

“He and his team helped plan an amazing day that included meetings on Capitol Hill with staff members from the office of both Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, “ Bowers said. “We also spent time at the Philips office where we heard from Angel Riley ’99, David Young ’87, Phil A. Hancock ’02 and Dana Madden regarding internship opportunities, professional branding, and high-impact relationships.

“The evening was full of inspiration from both Paul D. Daugherty ’00 and the honorable Kimberly Reed ’93 sharing about the impact they’ve had on the world and how it all started at Wesleyan. We ended the day with a beautiful rooftop reception looking over D.C.,” Bowers said.

Prior to the trip, students also had an opportunity to connect with many of the trustees and others during a networking dinner held Homecoming Week.

Zeinah Abdelsalam ’25, of United Arab Emirates, said, “Grateful to the shared wisdom of everyone involved in this trip, I ended the day in D.C. with a wealth of knowledge about the city’s professional and social culture. As a current student, it has also deepened my pride in being part of Wesleyan’s alumni network—a network that continuously gives back in ways that are both generous and transformative.”

Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, said, “I had been to Washington, D.C. once before as a sightseer, but it was a unique experience being able to bask in the professional world in our nation’s capital. As a political science major, exploring the opportunities in the field – from political consulting and lobbying to working for congressional staffs – and talking to passionate individuals gave me a renewed sense of confidence for my future.

“The biggest takeaway I can share from the trip is that no matter who you are or what your interests might be, there is a career path available. Work relentlessly to discover new horizons, and keep your eyes open at all times; you never know who or what you might bump into! Thank you to the faculty and alumni who helped organize this matchless event. It is a blessing to have such a dedicated network of support here at West Virginia Wesleyan College!”

Bowers added, “I cannot express how humbled I was to be in the presence of such knowledge, experience, and passion. Each of our guests, and so many Wesleyan alumni demonstrated servant leadership and our students soaked in the day.

“The other side of this was how well our students engaged. They took risks, stepped out of comfort zones, and represented themselves and Wesleyan with poise and coachability. It was a proud day to be a Bobcat and I was reminded of the gift of this role I am in.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.