WVU Parkersburg to host transgender singer and songwriter on Oct. 11 in observance of Coming Out Day

In observance of the 30th anniversary of National Coming Out Day, West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Social Justice Committee will host Namoli Brennet, transgender singer/songwriter, for her program, “We Belong” on Thursday, Oct. 11 at noon in the college theater. Funded, in part, by the Higher Education Resource Assessment (HERA), the event is free and open to the public.

In reflection of her own coming out, Brennet will relate her story of becoming a musician, living with anxiety, discovering herself and starting a public transition from male to female. Brennet uses her musical talents, humor, and compassion to help audiences leave with a clearer understanding of self-worth no matter who they are or what they choose.

“National Coming Out Day is a time for us to honor those who have come out not only as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), but also as straight allies for equality,” said Debbie Richards, WVU Parkersburg special assistant to the president for policy and social justice. “We hope this program will promote a respectful and inclusive environment where every campus member will feel safe about living truthfully and openly.”

Brennet is a four-time Outmusic award nominee and was recently named in the inaugural Trans 100 list. She was also the recipient of the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Award and finalist in the International Songwriting Competition. Brennet’s music has been featured on NPR, PBS and in films including the Emmy-award winning documentary, “Out in the Silence,” which details the struggle of a gay teen growing up in rural Pennsylvania.

For more information about this event, contact Debbie Richards at Debbie.Richards@wvup.edu or 304.424.8201.

WVU Parkersburg and Marshall University sign articulation agreement for students to earn MBA

West Virginia University at Parkersburg has signed an articulation agreement that will provide its students the opportunity to earn a Master of Business Administration degree from Marshall University.

Under the agreement, WVU Parkersburg students who earn an undergraduate degree with a 2.5 or greater grade point average may apply for admission to the MBA program at the Lewis College of Business at Marshall University.

Students are encouraged to complete 27 credit hours of business foundation courses required for the MBA program while enrolled at WVU Parkersburg, which will provide significant cost savings to them. The college will provide academic advising and counseling for students to ensure they enroll in the courses that will prepare them to complete the MBA degree at Marshall.

Before the last semester of study at WVU Parkersburg, participating students may apply for conditional admission to Marshall and must meet all admission requirements prior to acceptance and matriculation. WVU Parkersburg will help students prepare an application package for admission to the MBA program.

Once admitted to Marshall, students may enroll in program courses and participate in activities provided by the Lewis College of Business and will receive program advising from Marshall staff and faculty.

“We are excited about this partnership with Marshall to provide opportunities for our students to seamlessly continue their education at the graduate level,” said Dr. Chad Crumbaker, vice president of academic and student affairs, WVU Parkersburg. “This agreement for the MBA program is an excellent complement to WVU Parkersburg’s four-year business degrees that are nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. With this agreement, local residents are able to complete associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees without leaving the area.”

To learn more, contact WVU Parkersburg’s Center for Student Services at admissions@wvup.edu or 304-424-8310.

Senator Manchin and WVU Parkersburg to host the MOV Career Fair 2018 on Sept. 28

The second annual Mid-Ohio Valley (MOV) Career Fair presented by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and West Virginia University at Parkersburg will be held Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event takes place on the WVU Parkersburg main campus and is free and open to the public.

“It is always an honor to be part of one of these job fairs that will provide hundreds of hard-working West Virginians the opportunity to connect with employers all across the region,” said Senator Manchin. “It is my hope that job seekers will link up with employers or resources that will help them find a new job. More than 100 businesses are expected to be on site and I thank Dr. Gilmer and WVU Parkersburg for the opportunity to be part of this.”

All businesses and organizations registered to attend the career fair are actively seeking employees. The college will also provide a free photo opportunity for those seeking professional portraits. Job seekers should dress professionally, bring plenty of resumes and research registered employers.

WVU Parkersburg will host Christian Martine, Facebook product solutions manager and West Virginia native, for an informative presentation, “Working for Facebook with Christian Martine,” at 1:00 p.m. in the theater. He will discuss how Facebook makes a difference in the world and provide a brief overview about how he became employed with the social media giant.

“We are deeply honored to work with Senator Manchin and his team to showcase Mid-Ohio Valley employers to our students and our students to potential employers,” said Dr. Chris Gilmer, president, WVU Parkersburg. “With more than 100 of the most exciting businesses in the area participating, the event is part of the university’s commitment to fill the workforce needs of the communities we serve.”

The MOV Career Fair 2018 is presented in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Results Radio, the Workforce Development Board Mid-Ohio Valley and Workforce West Virginia.

The complete list of registered employers includes: Addus Home Care; AL REC LLC; Appalachian Oilfield Services; Architectural Interior Products; Armacell LLC; Bankers Life; Basement Systems of West Virginia; Bi-Con Services Inc.; Bowles Rice LLP; Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg; BSSI; Bureau of the Fiscal Service; Burger King; Career Connections; Caron Products & Services Inc.; CCIL / WV’s Choice; Chemours Company; Chick-fil-A; Children’s Home Society of WV; Classic Carriers; Colonial Life; Community Bank of Parkersburg; Conley Fabrication LLC; CSL Plasma; DeepRock Disposal Solutions LLC; Department of Health and Human Resources; DSV Solutions; Eldercare Health & Rehabilitation; Emily Allman / State Farm; Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Extras Support Staffing; Fresh Plant Pilgrims; Genesis Health Care; H&R Block; Hi-Vac Corporation; Highmark Health; Hino Motors Manufacturing USA Inc.; Human Resource Development Foundation Inc.; ICL Americas; iHeartMedia; iTech; IVS Group; Jan Care Ambulance Inc.; Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law; JCPenney; Kelly Services Inc.; KVC West Virginia; Local #80 Heat & Frost Insulators; Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center; Lowe’s; Magnum Magnetics; Mancan; Manpower; Mason County Schools; Matheny Motors; Memorial Health System; Minnie Hamilton Health System; Mole Master Services Corporation; Nathan Alfred Insurance; NCOA Senior Employment; NOE Office Equipment; North Central Regional Jail; On-Board Services; Operating Engineers Local 132 Apprenticeship & Training; Pactiv; Panhandle Support Services; Penske Logistics; Perry & Associates; Phoenix Associates Inc.; Pickering Associates; Plexus / PSA; Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 565; Ply Gem Industries Inc.; PMA USA; Premier Bank Inc.; Pro Careers Inc.; Rescare Community Living; Results Radio; Roane County Board of Education; ScribeAmerica; Securitas Security Services USA; Simonton Windows and Doors; Somerville Industries Inc.; Star Plastics Inc.; State Electric; Surge Staffing; Suttle & Stalnaker PLLC; Thomas R. Moran Construction; Touchstone Testing Lab; Tri-State Roofing & Sheet Metal Company; United Bank; United States Army; United States Marine Corps; United States Postal Service; Washington State Community College; We Staff Better LLC; WesBanco Bank Inc.; Westbrook Health Services; Western & Southern Financial; Wexford Health Source at St. Marys Correctional Center; Wood County Schools; Wood County Senior Citizens Association; WorkForce West Virginia; Worthington Healthcare Center; WV Carpenters Training Center; WV Department of Transportation / Division of Highways; WV Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation / St. Marys Correctional Center and Jail; WV Division of Rehabilitation Services; WV Laborers’ Training Fund; WVU Extension Service; WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center; WVU Parkersburg and Xtreme Labor.

For more information on the MOV Career Fair 2018, visit www.wvup.edu/career.

WVU Parkersburg announces summer 2018 President’s and Dean’s scholars

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is pleased to announce its President’s and Dean’s scholars for the summer 2018 semester.

President’s Scholars

Students on the President’s List maintained a 4.0 grade point average while earning 12 or more hours of college credit. The scholars include:

RITCHIE COUNTYEllenboro: Shannon Reilly;

UPSHUR COUNTYBuckhannon: Brandon Littler;

WOOD COUNTYMineral Wells: Carter Grogan;

Parkersburg: Joshua Mays; Emily Niemi; Victoria Poellot-Tauber; Cody Valvo;

Washington: Ryan Dean;

Waverly: Dezerae Davis;

OHIOMarietta: Clay Paschal;

Dean’s Scholars

Students named to the Dean’s List maintained a 3.5 grade point average while earning six or more hours of college credit. The scholars include:

CALHOUN COUNTYGrantsville: Sandra Jones; Courtney Lewis;

DODDRIDGE COUNTYWest Union: Kimberly Powell;

JACKSON COUNTYCottageville: Michael Miller; Elizabeth Vidrine;

Evans: Hanah Burgess;

Gay: Brittiny Cooper; Charles Cooper; Lawrence Price;

Mount Alto: Heaven Burge; Patricia Ellis;

Ravenswood: Cheyenne Curtis; Stephanie Cutlip; Shane Johnson; Jordan Matics; Sean Matics; Philip Randolph; Colton Rhodes; Megan Stoffel;

Ripley: Matthew Barnette; Carson Broom; Stephen Gainey; Kathy Harris; Tyler Hilbert; Donna Kay; Ayaka Mcbee; Ethan Rhodes; Madison Tanner; Alisha Tribett-Tackett;

Sandyville: Michael Holmes;

JEFFERSON COUNTY – Charles Town: Laura Stottlemyer;

KANAWHA COUNTYCharleston: Jane King; John Woodrum II;

Dunbar: Tracy Amburgey;

MARSHALL COUNTYMoundsville: Mitchel Herbold;

MASON COUNTYLeon: Dusty Smith;

New Haven: Lacy Darst; Lauryn Fields;

MERCER COUNTYPrinceton: Ariel Bowman;

PLEASANTS COUNTYBelmont: Daniel Castleberry; Michelle Neff;

Saint Marys: Allison Elliott; Tina Smith; Clayton Studer;

Waverly: Alisha Riddle;

RITCHIE COUNTYEllenboro: Morgan Reilly;

Harrisville: Bryan Ring;

Pennsboro: Sara Lattea; Sherilyn Stahlman; Samantha Waggoner;

Smithville: Chelsea Ayers;

ROANE COUNTYGandeeville: Britney Hersman; Rachel Traylor;

Reedy: Darlene Means;

Spencer: Ethan Ash; Lisa Hawkins; Ronetta Nichols; Madison Sutphin;

TYLER COUNTYAlma: Lauren Seckman;

Paden City: Madison Pierce;

WETZEL COUNTYNew Martinsville: Melissa Beegle;

WIRT COUNTYLe Roy: Saundra Slone-Crum;

Elizabeth: Ashley Bumgarner; Thomas Mullenix II; Mackenzie Nester; Shawna Nester; Tori Powell; Logan Somerville;

WOOD COUNTYBelleville: James Chandler;

Davisville: Justen Small; Scott Barker; Zachary Elkins; Becky Ellison; Amy Hudson; Sherry McCay;

Mineral Wells: Krishna Black; Faith Blosser; Fallyn Buffington; Chad Conley; Joshua Davis; Amber Davis; Timothy Elson; Lynette Pahl;

Parkersburg: Abby Anderson; Tammy Barnhouse; Holly Barnum; Darrius Basta; Timothy Bonnell; Morgan Bonnett; Justin Bosley; John Boyles; April Brooks; Chelsie Church; Shelby Dearth; Katy Field; Hugh Fry; Cameron Gault; Serena Graham; John Hickman; Derin Jabour; Donald King; Kelsey Kiser; Kimberly Lipscomb; Kevin Mccomas; Stacy McCune; Madonna Murphy; Sammantha Oglesby; Tia Opel; Joseph Pavelich; Brooke Powell; Anthony Province; Holly Queen; Rachel Rader; Nick Roedersheimer; Andrea Sears; Korey Smith; Amanda Stone; Dylan Taylor; Chana Tepe; Dylan Burkhammer; Megan Trembly; Amy Wood;

Vienna: Tierney Aldridge; Alexis Bannister; Paige Burner; Joshua Byers; Robert Clatworthy; Dawson Cyran; Brianna Deem; Heather Chutes; Christopher Imler; Jared Mugrage; Nachelle Pidcock; Nathan Settle; Lora Stavrakis; Brannon Turner Jr.; Joseph VanClief; Robert VanClief;

Walker: Timothy Bower; Savana Goff; Annaliese Thornley;

Washington: Cynthia Barton; Ginger Busch; Megan Curry; Brittany Dils; Rebecca Eicher; Shawna Hopkins; Breanna Paxton; Kelta Peck; Kaitlyn Reamer; Samantha Suggs; Mary Willison; Shianne Winters;

Waverly: Scott Holbert; James Kelley;

Williamstown: Amanda Brown; Gregory Flanagan; Stephanie Marshall; Sierra McGee; Katherine Radabaugh;

OHIOBelpre: Kerra Ball; Jonah Fox; Austin Grimmett; Jessica Madison; Amber Roberts;

Caldwell: Joshua Thompson;

Coolville: Melissa Graham; Paul Owens Sr.;

Fredericktown: Jason Rhoades;

Little Hocking: Christine Berg; Mikael Hinton;

Marietta: Brianna Geogerian; Kyly Warner; Tyler Wears;

Newport: Samantha Morris;

Pomeroy: Nadezhda Moore;

Seaman: Kala Bakenhaster;

Vincent: Joshua Frame;

KENTUCKY – Olive Hill: Brent Tackett;

VIRGINIA Woodstock: Shannon Buchanan;

TEXASSan Benito: Enrique Guzman.

Summer 2018 WVU Parkersburg graduates announced

West Virginia University at Parkersburg awarded certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees to August 2018 graduates. These graduates will be recognized at the Fall 2018 commencement ceremony.

Graduates who attained a 3.50 to 4.00 grade point average (GPA) earned academic honors, as follows: 3.50-3.749, Cum Laude; 3.75-3.99, Magna Cum Laude; and 4.0, Summa Cum Laude.  The August WVU Parkersburg graduates include:

CABELL – Huntington: Hannah Boyles, BAS, Child Development;

CALHOUN – Arnoldsburg: Sarah Holbert, BS, Nursing;

JACKSON – Cottageville: Elizabeth Vidrine, CAS, AS, Business Administration, Cum Laude;

Mount Alto: Patricia Ellis, RBA, Cum Laude;

Ripley: Donna Kay, RBA, Cum Laude; Brandy Skaggs, BS, Nursing; Luke Snyder, CAS, Electricity & Instrumentation and Industrial Maintenance, Magna Cum Laude;

JEFFERSON – Harpers Ferry: Heather Haught, RBA, Cum Laude;

KANAWHA – Charleston: John Woodrum II, RBA Cum Laude;

Cross Lanes: Angelina Williams, BS, Nursing, Magna Cum Laude;

Saint Albans: Carla Walker, BS, Nursing;

MASON – Point Pleasant: Ashley Kaylor, AAS, RBA, BOG; Cassie O’Hara, BS, Nursing;

PLEASANTS COUNTY – Saint Marys: Gregory Chandler, AAS, BOG;

Waverly: Alisha Riddle, BAS, Criminal Justice;

RITCHIE – Pennsboro: Ashley Ginanni, BS, Nursing;

ROANE – Gandeeville: Jacqueline Stevens, RBA;

Le Roy: Doreen Mitchell, BS, Nursing;

Spencer: Dylan Deweese, AAS, CAS, Criminal Justice;

TYLER – Sistersville: Erin Gieseke, AAS, CAS, Criminal Justice;

WETZEL – New Martinsville: William Abbott, CAS, Welding;

WIRT COUNTY – Elizabeth: Jacob Wigal, AAS, BOG;

Le Roy: Saundra Slone-Crum, RBA, AA, General Education;

WOOD COUNTY – Davisville: Abigail Delancey, AS, General Education, Magna Cum Laude; Sandra Little, AAS, Business Administration;

Mineral Wells: Faith Blosser, AA, General Education, Cum Laude; Jeanette Lett, RBA; Austin Ritcher, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Tech, Magna Cum Laude;

Parkersburg: John Boyles, AA, General Education; Zackery Burner, AAS, BOG; Payton Devereux, RBA; Hannah Feaster, CAS, BAS, Business Administration; Jessica Fields, BAS, Communications and Media – Broadcast, AAS, Broadcast; Hugh Fry, RBA; Serena Graham, CAS, Business Administration; Joel Green, AAS, CAS, Business Administration; Adam McCray, AAS, BOG; Cynthia Leisure Melrose, AAS, Business Administration, Cum Laude; Austin Luther, BAS, CAS, AAS, Criminal Justice; Cody Lyons, AA, General Education; Kevin Mccomas, AAS, Computer and Information Tech; Emily Perdue, RBA; Yvette Phillips, AAS, BOG; Tashia Powell, CAS, Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude; Nick Roedersheimer, AS, Business Administration; Stephanie Sturm, AAS, BOG; Kristen Suszek, RBA;

Vienna: Brady Carson, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Tech; Megan Freed, BS, Nursing; Joseph VanClief, CAS, Electricity and Instrumentation; Anthony White, CAS, Chemical and Polymer Operator Tech, Cum Laude;

Washington: Amanda Butler, RBA; Bryanna Monroe, AAS, Business Administration; Kelta Peck, RBA;

Williamstown: Amanda Brown, BAS, Business Administration; Summer Devol, BS, Nursing; Sierra McGee, RBA, Magna Cum Laude; Katherine Radabaugh, RBA;

OHIO – Belpre: Kerra Ball, AAS, BOG; Brittian Miller, RBA;

Fredericktown: Jason Rhoades, AAS, Occupational Development, Summa Cum Laude;

Marietta: Alyson Johnson, BS, Nursing;

Middleport: Brittany Dowdy, AAS, BOG;

South Point: Joseph Mundy, RBA;

VIRGINIA – Falls Church: Nefisa Mufti, BS, Nursing;

Hampton: Richard Kozlowski, AAS, CAS, Legal Studies.

WVU Parkersburg and the Historic Smoot Theatre to host “Challenges to Democracy” film series

West Virginia University at Parkersburg and the Smoot Theatre will host the film series, “Challenges to Democracy” during the fall 2018 semester. “Lincoln,” the first movie in the series, will be shown Thursday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Smoot Theatre. A panel discussion will follow the film.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, “Lincoln” is a historical drama that recounts the last four months of President Abraham Lincoln’s life. The end of the Civil War is near, and Lincoln attempts to negotiate peace with the South while trying to outlaw slavery by fighting for the 13th Amendment to the Constitution. “Lincoln” received 10 Oscar nominations and won Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role and Best Achievement in Production Design.

“WVU Parkersburg is fortunate to partner with the Historic Smoot Theatre to explore four examples of challenges to democracy,” said Dr. Chad Crumbaker, WVU Parkersburg vice president for academic and student affairs. “Each one demonstrates times when the founding principles of all people ‘being created equal’ and ‘government of the people, by the people, and for the people’ are put to the test.”

Future movie showings include:

October 11, 6:30 p.m.: “Selma”
Dr. Martin King Jr. leads a dangerous campaign for equal voting rights for African Americans in Alabama, but ultimately promotes a change that forever alters history. The march from Selma to Montgomery, Dr. King’s speech at Alabama’s state capital, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 signing become some of the most significant victories in the civil rights movement.

November 8, 6:30 p.m.: “Milk”
Forty-year-old Harvey Milk gains focus as a gay rights activist in San Francisco, which turns to political activism as Milk sees he can be a more effective voice for the gay community as a politician. In 1977, Milk becomes the nation’s first openly gay man elected to a public office, but he must fight against a statewide initiative that bars gays and their supporters from public school jobs.

December 13, 6:30 p.m.: “Election”
Jim McAllister is a social studies teacher at Carver High, and one of his students, Tracy Flick, is running unopposed for class president. To establish a more democratic election, McAllister persuades a varsity football player to run against Flick. However, Flick uses unethical methods to win the student body’s vote.

Tickets are free to WVU Parkersburg students who present a current, valid student ID and $5 for the general public.

For more information, contact the Office of Academic and Student Affairs at vpssappeals@wvup.edu or 304.424.8209.

WVU Parkersburg to hold 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 11

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold its annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9:30 a.m. at the flagpole in front of the main building in commemoration of the events of 9/11 and to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces and as first responders.

“We invite the community to join us for this special event to remember all of the military servicemen and women and first responders who have dedicated their lives in service to our nation,” said Michael Dooley, student program advisor for the Veterans Resource Center, WVU Parkersburg.

WVU Parkersburg student veterans will raise the flag, while additional students, staff, and faculty will ring the college bell 17 times, with each ring counting the total years since 9/11.

Jeff Sandy, secretary of the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, will serve as the guest speaker for the special event. Sandy has a distinguished career in law enforcement and public service. In addition to serving as a special agent in the U.S. Treasury Department’s Criminal Investigation Division for 25 years, he volunteered to assist counter-terrorism efforts in the wake of 9/11 and served one term as the elected sheriff of Wood County. He is both a certified fraud examiner and a certified anti-money laundering specialist.

Following the ceremony, WVU Parkersburg will host Sandy for his informative presentation, “The Puzzle of 9/11,” at 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in the college theater. He will discuss the events leading to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 and the aftermath, how the attacks were funded and the process he led to track down Saddam Hussein’s money train. Both sessions are free and open to the public.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the College Activities Center.

For more information about this event, contact Michael Dooley at mdooley1@wvup.edu or 304-424-8337.

WVU Engineer and Parkersburg native Dan Carder to speak at WVU Parkersburg convocation

West Virginia University at Parkersburg will hold its annual convocation ceremony on August 27 at 12:15 p.m. in the College Activities Center. Dan Carder, Director of West Virginia University’s Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions (CAFEE) is the keynote speaker.

Carder, a Mineral Wells native and Parkersburg South High School graduate, holds a bachelor and master degree from WVU’s Statler College of Engineering. He is renowned for his research team’s report which uncovered Volkswagen’s false emission’s tests and violation of the Clean Air Act in 2015. With more than 20 years in emissions and alternative fuels research, he has been named by Time magazine as one of the most influential people in the world.

WVU Parkersburg’s convocation ceremony is held at the beginning of each academic year to welcome new and returning students as well as reaffirm the institution’s eternal commitment to its values. There will be a formal procession of the faculty in academic regalia, and faculty marshals will be invited to ring the official college bell at the beginning of the ceremony. A welcome by WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Chris Gilmer, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Chad Crumbaker, and Student Government President Austin Grimmett will follow.

“Every season must have a beginning,” said Dr. Gilmer, WVU Parkersburg president. “For our new students, convocation is that beginning, an eternal moment to always remember when this journey toward higher education began.”

The ceremony is mandatory for new students, and there will be a live transmission to WVU Parkersburg’s Jackson County Center.

For questions or more information, please contact the Office of the Vice President of Student Services at vpssappeals@wvup.edu or 304.424.8209.

WVU Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center to host grand opening on Sept. 6

The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center, in partner with the Chamber of Commerce of the Mid-Ohio Valley will host its grand opening at 5:30 pm on Sept. 6 in the Workforce and Economic Development Building. The event is free and open to the public.

Funded by the Ross Foundation and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, the Entrepreneur Center is a makerspace where technology and creativity meet in an effort to expand the entrepreneurial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) movement in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The center will provide the public access to technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, Arduino (electronic prototyping platform), industrial-capable sewing, and more.

“Tres Ross of the Ross Foundation has led efforts to bring entrepreneurial methods to the Mid-Ohio Valley with Innovate MOV,” said Michele Wilson, WVU Parkersburg Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development. “We are grateful for the support of the Ross Foundation and Community and Technical College System of West Virginia so we may encourage the development of small business endeavors.”

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to meet Anthony Wilson of Wilson’s House of Cosplay, Dominique Holl of Holl’s Chocolates, Tony Workman of Classic Plastics, and Cindy Moore of Cindy’s Simply Sewing to learn how these area residents turned their interests into careers. Laser cutting and 3-D printing demonstrations, as well as meet-and-greets with the 501st Legion and James Hamilton with his Star Wars BB-8 droid, will take place.

The 501st Legion is a volunteer organization formed to bring together costume enthusiasts that celebrate the Star Wars franchise by attending pop-cons and contributing to charity and volunteer work. Members build their own detailed, replica costumes using the same machinery found in the Entrepreneur Center.

“We are excited to invite the community and show guests they have the resources and creative support to pursue their passions,” WVU Parkersburg Entrepreneur Center Coordinator Logan Mace. “The Entrepreneur Center truly is where inspiration meets innovation.”

For more information, contact Logan Mace at Logan.Mace@wvup.edu or 304-424-8000 ext. 606, and visit Facebook @WVUPWED for details on future classes and events.

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