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  • Memorial fundraising effort benefits Peer Advocate program in Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in honor of late WVU alumna

Memorial fundraising effort benefits Peer Advocate program in Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in honor of late WVU alumna

Shauna O’Brien, 2015

Shauna O’Brien, 2015

One of West Virginia University’s original Peer Advocates, Shauna Lynn O’Brien, 28, of Holly Springs, NC, passed away on December 31, 2021. In honor of her trail-blazing advocacy work at WVU, her family has included donations to the Peer Advocacy program as one way family and friends can honor her legacy.

WVU’s Director of Equity Assurance and Title IX Coordinator James Goins, Jr. worked with O’Brien during her time at WVU and remembers her as a dedicated advocate and engaged student leader.

“Shauna was truly a great Mountaineer and a devoted Peer Advocate who positively touched the lives of numerous people,” said Goins. “She devoted numerous hours to our department and program. Shauna assisted with the launch of our It’s On Us campaign, HUSH performance, Hugs for Humanity and our first academic peer advocate course where she served as a teaching assistant. She advocated in her daily life for survivors and doing the right thing. I will never forget Shauna, and the numerous efforts she put forward on behalf of the WVU community.”

According to the family, services in North Carolina were private and a public memorial mass and celebration of Shauna' s life will be held at a future date in Northern, NJ.

At the family’s request, memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in memory of Shauna to the WVU Diversity Fund to support WVU Peer Advocates. 

All gifts to the memorial effort are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

Peer Advocates are students of all identities who are committed to responding to students impacted by sexual or intimate partner violence. They learn advocacy skills to help end sexual assault and power-based personal violence on campus through prevention education.

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