West Virginia University at Parkersburg held its fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:30 a.m. The college awarded approximately 288 certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees to 254 students this semester, with 100 students crossing the stage in front of friends and family during the ceremony.

In his first commencement as WVU Parkersburg president, Dr. Chris Gilmer spoke about the college’s vision to be the region’s premier college recognized for quality education, commitment to student empowerment, workforce collaboration and community involvement. As further proof of that vision, he shared that WVU Parkersburg, along with its students, staff, faculty, and alumni, contributed more than $221.5 million in total economic impact to the communities it serves during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

In his message to graduates, Gilmer encouraged them to pay it forward with their education.

“Graduates, you’ve worked hard, and I am very proud of your accomplishments. Keep in mind as you leave us that you cannot always pay it backward, but you can always pay it forward,” said Gilmer. “It will be your duty as newly minted college graduates to use your education and the well-deserved benefits it brings you for some purpose greater than yourself, for some mission, whatever that may be and wherever it may take you, that is greater than us all.”

Shirlethia Franklin, Esquire, an attorney Of Counsel in the Washington D.C. office of Jones Day, one of the world’s most prestigious law firms, followed Gilmer’s speech with the commencement address.

Franklin, who served as White House liaison and counselor to the U.S. Attorney General in the administration of President Barack Obama shared her personal story as a first-generation college graduate with small-town roots in rural Mississippi. She credited Gilmer’s guidance at Tougaloo College with helping her achieve her dreams. “It is no exaggeration to say that I would not be here today without Dr. Gilmer – his guidance as a professor and advisor helped support me on a path that I could never have dreamed for myself,” said Franklin.

Passing on her guidance to the graduates, Franklin stated, “In the coming days, weeks, months, and years, you, too, will make decisions about what kind of future you will build, what kind of life you will live, and how you will do what this university’s motto asks of you: to embrace “The Highest Good.”

An honorary degree was presented to Franklin as well as to Curtis Miller, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governor’s member for his distinguished service to the university and as a leader in the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“Pride is overflowing in this room today, as well it should be, pride on the part of the graduates in the significance of your accomplishments, but likely even greater pride on the part of those who love you and who sacrificed much for you to know a moment such as this,” said Gilmer. “Keep these words written in your memory forever:  None of us reaches this moment alone. None of us reaches this moment without a legion of people supporting us, some known, many unknown who began their sacrifices generations before we were even born.”

Spring classes are now enrolling for those interested in becoming a graduate too. Call (304) 424-8310 or visit our campus for more information.