Two Keyser nursing students receive Catamounts Climb Higher awards

Pictured from left: Dr. April Shapiro, Whitney Tasker and Dr. Diana Niland pose for a photo during the Catamounts Climb Higher luncheon. Aubrey Gahagen was unable to attend. 

KEYSER, W. Va. — Aubrey Gahagen and Whitney Tasker, two nursing students at the WVU School of Nursing Keyser Campus, were recently recognized as Catamounts Climb Higher recipients.

Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.

Gahagen, a senior from Windber, Pennsylvania, is currently a commuter student in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. She is a member of the Student Nurses’ Association and is active in both the Keyser and Morgantown communities who volunteers her time to help those who struggle with substance dependence as well as homelessness.

Described as having a heart of gold, Aubrey is insightful to the needs of others and goes out of her way to help those dealing with adversity. She was nominated for the award by Dr. April Shapiro, Keyser Campus Chair.

Tasker, from Keyser, is a junior in the BSN program. In addition to serving as a member of the Student Nurses Association, Whitney volunteers monthly at the Mineral County Technical Center assisting with testing for Certified Nursing Assistants.

When Whitney entered her sophomore year in the fall of 2021, her father was very sick with cancer. He passed away as she was finishing her sophomore year in May 2022. Her entire academic year was Nursing school by day while studying and spending time with her father by night. Through it all, she did not miss school, kept up with her studies and maintained a positive disposition. Her father was one of her biggest supporters and though it was challenging, Whitney still found the strength to keep going. She was also nominated for the award by Dr. Shapiro.

-WVU-

CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu