| By Drew Moody
Glenville State College held its commencement Saturday morning
for approximately 214 eligible students.
Approximately 42-percent, or 91 students, live within 40-miles of the Glenville campus. This means nearly half of Glenville's student population in 2006-07 hailed from no more than 14 north-central West Virginia counties. (That measurement is straight-line, as-the-crow-flies miles.)
Several initiatives are being implemented to expand the recruiting base at the institution.
A further breakdown of those graduating indicates:
- Thirty-one received two year degrees.
- Eighteen were July 2006 graduates, and
- Seventeen received Board of Regents BA degrees. This is a state-wide program awarding college credit for life and work experience. After completing a minimum number of credit hours at the "home" college, the student may or may not be required to take additional classes.
Awards and Honors
Each year Glenville State College annually recognizes students, faculty, staff and citizens for achieving excellence in their respective endeavors.
As President Peter Barr prepared to announce those selected, he told the audience the individuals have consistently made outstanding efforts, achieved excellence, and the contributions have improved either the greater community or the college.
"Example isn't the main thing, it's the only thing," Barr said, quoting Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Prize winning theologian, physician, medical missionary and author.
The following awards were presented:
Presidential Citation: James Westbrooke Spears
He was chosen, Barr said, in recognition of distinguished scholarship, and lifelong service in the military and foreign affairs. Spears' commitment to education and the people of West Virginia was also acknowledged. Spears gave the keynote address during the ceremony.
Presidential Citation: Brent Boggs
A 1976 graduate of Glenville State College, Boggs is in his sixth consecutive term, representing Gilmer and Braxton counties as a member of the WV House of Delegates. In January he was appointed vice chairman of the House Finance Committee, while simultaneously serving on several other committees.
A resident of Gassaway, Boggs is active in the local community as well. He is a member of several civics organization and is board member or trustee of several organizations, including serving as President of the Gilmer-Braxton Technology Institute. Last year the Glenville State College Alumni Association presented him with its Community Service Award.
Brent Boggs was awarded a GSC Presidential Citation
(Photos by Drew Moody)
"Your unwavering service and dedication to Glenville State College, as well as leadership in higher education has improved the overall quality of life in West Virginia and is truly admirable," President Barr said, presenting the citation to Boggs.
Boggs briefly spoke to the audience upon receiving the honor. "I am very proud of this institution," he said. "I am so honored by this."
Faculty Award of Excellence: Janet James Bailey
 Bailey (left) is a Gilmer County native and member of the Glenville State College faculty for 17 years. Barr said Bailey has consistently demonstrated excellence in teaching and dedication to students.
Some of the comments peers and students made included: "She is a great role model."
"Although she has a very busy schedule," another one said, "she always has a smile on her face."
"She is willing to help any student, faculty or staff."
"She is a strong promoter of our college, and is a great asset to Glenville State."
Bailey has been the senior women's administrator for the past 10 years. Three years ago she was given the Presidential Award of Excellence.
Classified Employee of the Year: Tim Marks
 Marks (right) is a maintenance supervisor at Glenville State College with 29 years of service.
President Barr told the audience Marks has demonstrated outstanding performance of his duties. Marks is dedicated,
committed, has pride in is work and creates a team spirit among the staff he supervises, Barr noted.
Some comments Marks' peers made are: "He has an outgoing personality and deals with daily problems in a calm and efficient manner."
"He's very friendly and easy to work with."
"He interacts well with other departments on campus."
President Barr summed up Marks' qualifications, Tim Marks is a "multi-talented individual dedicated to excellence."
Student Leadership Award: Brenton Drake
Brenton Drake of Burnsville graduated Saturday, with Summa Cum Laude distinction, maintaining an overall 3.91 grade point average while meeting the requirements for a BA in Chemistry; Mathematics minor. He also received a BA in Education; Chemistry and Physics (9 to adult); General Science (5 to adult).
Drake served as vice-president and later president of the Glenville State College's student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). He helped earn the college national recognition for the chapter's efforts. Dr. Kevin Evans serves as faculty advisor.
GSC President Peter Barr, left, congratulates Brenton
Drake for receiving the GSC Student Leadership Award
The student chapter at GSC was one of only 34 student ACS chapters to be recognized with an "Outstanding Award" for the programs and activities during the 2005-2006 school year. It was the lone "outstanding award" given to any college in West Virginia. Nationwide there are 980 student affiliate chapters.
Drake also wrote successful grant proposals for the college, while keeping an academic pace earning him Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Honorary Doctorate: I.L. "Ike" Morris
The highest academic recognition Glenville State College confers
is the honorary doctorate, President Barr said.
It is received by individuals who exhibit exemplary service and outstanding contribution to the institution, community and state.
Barr praised Morris for his pubic service spanning four decades. "...for the boundless belief, a bold and visionary belief, in the possibilities of Glenville State College."
Also cited was Morris' tireless leadership in the fostering the economic and social well being of the region.
"And for his love of athletics that has encouraged generations of student athletes to academic and athletic accomplishment," Barr continued.
"For his insight and self-deprecating humor that guides, encourages and inspires."
"Glenville State College proudly awards Ike Morris the honorary degree, Doctor of Public Service. Congratulations Ike Morris."
GSC Board of Governors Chairman Ron Blankenship, right,
presents Ike Morris with an honorary doctorate degree.
GSC President Peter Barr, left, congratulates Morris
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