WVU plans bell-ringing ceremony to remember students

West Virginia University will hold a bell-ringing ceremony, coordinated by the Office of Campus and Community Life and Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in remembrance of Peyton Pettry, James Smith, Matthew Powell, and Brayden Smith.

Pettry, a senior chemistry major from Arnett, died on March 18, 2026; Smith, a senior mechanical engineering major from Spring, Texas, died on April 12, 2026; Powell, a sophomore psychology major from Morgantown, died on Feb. 24, 2026; and Smith, a senior aerospace engineering major from Morgantown, died on Nov. 24, 2025.

The service will begin at noon at Oglebay Plaza.

Those interested in attending are asked to gather near the bell of the USS West Virginia at least 15 minutes beforehand. Family, friends and members of the University community are welcome to attend.

Individuals who would like to speak should contact Carrie Showalter, Dean of Students and associate vice president for Student Life, at [email protected] or 304-293-5611.

-WVU-

ta/10/12/26

MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; [email protected]

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