Whitney Stalnaker, of Gilmer County is congratulated by President
Peter B.Barr. Stalnaker graduated Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.85-4.00).
Story and Photos by Drew Moody
Watching the loved ones of graduates arrive was like witnessing a
pilgrimage. It was clearly a family celebration honoring this rite of
passage for the 208 students receiving their diplomas Saturday.
These students overcame many challenges to earn their degrees.
Some, like Miranda Reed, were successful student athletes. Forestry
and Land Surveying students endured the elements, and mastered
one of the college's most challenging programs. Some had part-time
jobs at area businesses such as Go-Mart and Foodland. Gilmer
County's Whitney Stalnaker turned the student newspaper around
while editor, as well as giving stellar performances in several
GSC theater productions.
All of the graduates have a story. Perhaps none more intriguing
than a Nicholas County woman.
Rose Bender, of Tioga, WV, was a single mother
supporting two children when she decided she wanted to become a
teacher. Little did she know the difficulties in store from the time she made her decision until receiving her diploma Saturday.
Bender graduated Cum Laude (GPA 3.50 to 3.69) with teaching
specializations in early childhood education and social studies.
It was a long road full of surprises.
The first two and a half years Bender continued working full time
while commuting to New River Community and Technical College
in Summersville. Her mother and grandmother filled in and
helped watch the kids. Upon completing her associate's degree
she transferred to Glenville State College.
GSC President Peter B. Barr presents
Rose Bender with her diploma Saturday.
The 160-mile commute made it impossible to continue working.
She drove 800-miles a week, from a very rural part of Nicholas County.
Bender unexpectedly became gravely ill, requiring her to sit out a year. Six surgeries later, she finally recovered and continued her course-work.
Despite her busy schedule, she found time to find a new mate. She
and James Bender married in 2007. And Saturday, five generations
of her family, along with her husband, watched her cross the stage
at the Jesse R. Lilly gym to receive her diploma.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
FCI Gilmer federal prison warden, Kuma J. Deboo, made a lively
and humorous keynote address to the audience. She briefly shared
her background and the journey that brought her to Glenville.
FCI Gilmer Federal Prison Warden
Kuma J. Deboo was keynote speaker.
Graduating from the University of Washington, her aspirations
were to be an attorney. Instead, she spend 15-years working for
the Social Security Administration before switching careers and
signing on with the Bureau of Prisons. Starting out as a case
manager, she was quickly put on a fast-track for a series of
promotions becoming a warden in 2001.
After living in eight states, she told the crowd she's fallen
in love with West Virginia. She and her husband live
"up a hollow" on a 48-acre farm and they've got no intentions
of leaving the Mountain State.
"This school, faculty and community is amazing," Deboo said.
In addition to maintaining decorum at the prison, she oversees
Glenville State College's satellite campus at the facility.
SPECIAL HONORS
Glenville State College President Peter B. Barr introduced the
50-year graduates attending the ceremony, the class of 1961.
Barr noted severeal historical events of that time including the
low price of gasoline -- around 30-cents a gallon. Topping off
their introduction he delighted the audience by singing the
chorus of a few hit songs of that era.
Dr. Peter B. Barr and Sue Morris, President of GSC Board of Governors, presented David Richard Tyson, Commissioner of
the WV Higher Education Policy Commission, with an honorary
doctorate of public service.
In addition, David Richard Tyson, Commissioner, West Virginia
Higher Education Policy Commission, received an honorary
doctorate degree of public service.
Keynote Speaker Kuma J. Deboo also received an honorary
doctorate degree.
Retiring professor, Gayle F. Burkowski, was honored for her
31-year teaching career and given the title of Faculty Emerita.
Graduating senior Allison Drane was presented the Student
Leadership award. Karen Lay was recognized as Outstanding
Staff Member, and Fred Walkborn was selected Outstanding
Faculty Member.
Finally, West Virginia Division of Culture and History Commissioner Randall Reid-Smith presented GSC's "Dean of Bluegrass" Buddy Griffin with a special award honoring his contribution of music to the college.
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