Celebrate Achievement: Join Us for the 54th Annual Spring Commencement at West Virginia University at Parkersburg!

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated its 54th annual spring commencement on May 10. This year, 383 graduates earned a total of 480 academic credentials.

What made this year special? A record 206 graduates participated in the ceremony, the largest attendance in the college’s history.

Blaine Hess, Vice Chair of the WVUP Board of Governors, welcomed everyone. He praised the graduates for their diverse backgrounds and resilience. “This isn’t the end, but the start of a lifelong journey of learning and growth,” he said.

Isabella Hileman, President of the Student Government Association, reminded graduates that setbacks can be stepping stones. “Think of obstacles as paths to a brighter future,” she encouraged.

President Torie Jackson addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of support systems. She celebrated the college’s mission to uplift students and the Mid-Ohio Valley. “We believe in you, and today we celebrate your achievements,” Jackson noted.

Keynote speaker Joe Oliverio, a former board chair and educator, used a scuba diving metaphor to inspire graduates. He urged them to dive into opportunities and recognize their self-worth. “Just like pennies, you are more valuable than you think, and you can make a difference,” Oliverio stated.

With 349 associate or certificate degrees and 131 bachelor’s degrees awarded this year, WVUP continues to be a vital educational hub. Additionally, 66 students completed non-academic workforce programs. Among those celebrated, 63 graduates received cum laude honors, while 54 achieved magna cum laude and 30 were recognized as summa cum laude.

Several individuals were also honored:

• Honorary Bachelor of Arts degrees went to Donna Smith, JP Hushion, Jason Landers, and Joe Oliverio.
• Charles Almond, distinguished chair of entrepreneurship, was named the Bernard P. McDonough Foundation Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year for his contributions to curriculum innovation and student engagement.
• David Thompson, a professor of psychology, received emeritus status for his 20 years of dedicated service.

In a recent survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 70% of students reported that graduation ceremonies leave them feeling inspired, highlighting the importance of such milestones in an academic journey. Celebrating achievements like these can positively affect a graduate’s future, encouraging continued growth and ambition.

This year’s WVUP commencement not only marks an academic achievement but also reflects the community’s commitment to education and personal development, underscoring the power of lifelong learning.

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