WVU honors ‘Most Loyal’ award recipients during Mountaineer Week

Each year, West Virginia Universityhonors a select group of outstanding Mountaineers who exemplify true dedication, pride and service to the University community as part of the annual Mountaineer Week celebration. These individuals make a lasting impact on the lives of others and help keep the Mountaineer spirit strong.

The 2025 "Most Loyal" honorees are: David Hendrickson, Most Loyal West Virginian; Dr. David O'Neal, Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer; Dr. Robert Gerbo, Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff Member; and Anthony Martin, Most Loyal Staff Member.

All will be recognized during halftime festivities at the WVU footballgame against Colorado on Nov. 8.

To be considered for the honor, recipients must display the loyalty, ideals and goals of WVU and the state of West Virginia through professional and civic engagement, business, service and leadership. The "Most Loyal" recipients are selected by a joint committee representing the WVU Foundation, WVU Alumni Association, WVU Staff Council, WVU Faculty Senateand the Mountaineer Week organizing committee.

Most Loyal West Virginian
David Hendrickson is a two-time graduate of WVU and has remained dedicated to his alma mater for more than four decades. A proud Mountaineer and former student body president, he has served as chair of the WVU Alumni Association Board and as a trustee of the Loyalty Permanent Endowment Fund, the University's oldest scholarship fund. The Charleston attorney also shares his legal expertise as an instructor for the WVU College of Law and the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, guiding future professionals.

Hendrickson's lasting impact can be seen across the University. His generous support has benefited WVU Athletics, the Alumni Association, and the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, where he helped lead efforts to support the Pride Practice Facility. Hendrickson was honored as Outstanding Alumnus during Homecoming festivities in 2004, and he continues to be a strong advocate for both WVU and the state of West Virginia.

Most Loyal Alumni Mountaineer
Beckley native Dr. David O'Neal is a proud 1990 graduate of the WVU School of Dentistry. He also attended WVU for his undergraduate studies, majoring in chemistry and earning early admission to dental school for his academic excellence. For more than 30 years, he has owned and operated Rivertowne Dental in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

As a student, O'Neal was a devoted member of the Mountaineer Marching Band, an experience that deepened his connection to WVU and the College of Creative Arts and Media. He remains active with the WVU Alumni Band, serving in leadership roles and performing in Homecomingparades and halftime shows.

O'Neal's leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact on the College of Creative Arts and Media and the WVU community. He has served multiple terms on the College's Visiting Committee, helping identify key needs for students and strengthening collaboration with the Alumni Band. A proud supporter of the Pride Practice Facility project, he was the first to pledge a gift toward its creation and has continued to support the initiative. His recent planned giftfurther reflects his enduring devotion to WVU and its mission.

Most Loyal Faculty/Professional Staff Mountaineer
Dr. Robert Gerbo, a native of Weirton, has dedicated his entire professional career to WVU. He earned both his undergraduate degree in biology and his medical degree from WVU, completing his family medicine residency as chief resident.

For more than 35 years, Gerbo has made lasting contributions to the University through his teaching and service. He taught first-year medical students in the Physical Diagnosis and Clinical Integration courses for nearly two decades and received the Vice President's Outstanding Achievement in Teaching Award.

Beyond the classroom, Gerbo mentors students and delivers lectures to residents, faculty and community groups. As director of Occupational Medicinewithin the WVU School of Public Health, he provides physical exams for students competing in mine rescue competitions and continues to support their success. Recently appointed as the University's Faculty Athletics Representative, he now serves as a voice for academic integrity within athletics and the Big 12 Conference. Gerbo's decades of service reflect his deep loyalty and commitment to WVU and the state he proudly calls home.

Most Loyal Staff Mountaineer
Anthony Martin, of Independence, has been a dedicated WVU employee for 22 years. He appreciates the family atmosphere among the University's staff and the school pride shared across the institution.

Martin began his WVU service as a temporary worker in 2003 and moved up the ranks in Facilities Management, where he now serves as assistant director for Evansdale Campus operations. His team maintains over 1,704,102 square feet of student housing, academic buildings, research space, and recreational and athletic facilities to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for working, living and learning.

Martin demonstrates his Mountaineer spirit in his daily work by being kind, helpful and respectful, serving as a role model to colleagues.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Cassie Rice Director of Strategic Communications WVU Foundation 304-554-0217; [email protected]

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