Keynote speaker, West Virginia First Lady Gayle
Connelly Manchin (Photos courtesy of Drew Moody)
Glenville State College now has more than a couple hundred new members of its alumni.
Two hundred and forty-six students graduated during the 134th GSC commencement Saturday.
The students completed requirements for their Associate and Bachelor degrees in a variety of academic areas including business, teacher education, and natural resource management.
They come from many West Virginia counties, twelve other states (Arizona, California, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington), and two other countries (Ireland and Japan).
Twenty-five members of the GSC Class of 2008 returned to their alma mater to also be recognized during the ceremony.
West Virginia's First Lady Gayle Manchin gave the keynote address.
In congratulating the graduates, she encouraged the students to meet new people and travel to new places but to stay in West Virginia for employment after college.
Brittany Nicole Church, of Grantsville, is presented her
diploma by Dr. Kathy Butler, GSC provost and senior vice-president.
Ms Church graduated with Cum Laude honors with a Behavioral Science degree.
Kelly Sue Clevenger, of Camden, is congratulated by Glenville State
College President Peter B. Barr during Saturday's commencement.
Ms Clevenger majored in physical education; graduating with Cum
Laude honors with an education degree. She was also active in
student government, a cheerleader and a member of the GSC
track team.
Manchin said, "Most of you were born here, but even those of you who have come from other places to attend Glenville State College now have automatic rights as West Virginians. The governor and I want you to stay here in the Mountain State to look for your fame and fortune. We need your enthusiasm, your energy, and your ambition for the future of the great state of West Virginia."
The GSC commencement ceremony was the second for President Dr. Peter Barr.
He announced that Professor Emeritus titles were conferred upon two members of the GSC Business Department Faculty to acknowledge the value of their accumulated records of teaching, research, and community service.
Business Department Chair Dr. Marty Garrett is retiring after 31 years of service to the college, while Business Department Professor Dr. James Hinter served the campus for 35 years.
Barr also announced History Professor Dr. Ed Wood received the Faculty Award of Excellence, Student Activities Director Kipp Colvin received the Classified Employee of the Year Award, and Sarah Kidder of Fayetteville was the recipient of the Student Leadership Award.
Overall Stage shot during Gayle Manchin's keynote
address.
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