Phi Theta Kappa inducts new members

Parkersburg, W.Va.  (Jan. 8, 2023) — The Sigma Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa inducted new members during a formal ceremony on November 29, 2023.

The Sigma Omega Chapter would like to welcome its newest members who accepted their invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa during the Fall 2023 enrollment period:

Breona Anderson; Penny Burke; Robert Castillo, Wesley Comeau; Carla Davis; Zoey David; Nichole Dellinger; Sophia Deramo; Haley Farson; Madison Hall; Alex Hay; Tyler Huffman; Rylee Jones; Benjamin Kaminski; Augustine McKenna; Harley Saxton; Avery Smith; Gracie Spiker; Grace Sprout; Olivia Talbert; Kimberly Thomas; and Leslie Villers.

Witnessed by friends and family members, these students took the official oath of membership with the Sigma Omega Chapter President Anastasia Nicholas to uphold Phi Theta Kappa’s four Hallmarks of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship.

Professor Andrew Walker, co-advisor for the chapter, served as guest speaker and explained the four Hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa to those in attendance.

“The induction ceremony is a time for us to celebrate our new members. I am very proud of what these students have accomplished and continue to accomplish,” said Sigma Omega Chapter Advisor Marie Butler. “The Fall 2024 induction ceremony was our first in person induction ceremony we have had since the COVID 19 pandemic. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate with these new PTK members in person!”

Membership to Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation only. Eligible students must be currently enrolled at WVU Parkersburg with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and have completed at least 12 credit hours leading to an associate degree. Students meeting these requirements who have previously earned an associate degree and are currently enrolled as students pursuing an additional, declared associate degree are also considered eligible for membership.

For more information on becoming a member, contact advisors Marie Butler at mbutler1@wvup.edu or Professor Andrew Walker at wwalker1@wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg holds 2023 Fall Commencement

WVU Parkersburg held its annual fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., in its College Activities Center.

Kevin Smith, Alumni and Manager of Distribution Systems at Appalachian Power, served as the keynote speaker.

Smith encouraged the Fall 2023 class of graduates that being themselves would help carry them through life.

“Just be yourself, that’s why you’re here today and that is what has brought you to this celebration of this great accomplishment,” said Smith. “Take what you’ve learned and apply it, prepare well for interviews and even dress up a little for the occasion, but just be yourself and then hang on for the ride that follows.”

Smith earned his associate degree in 2019, and a Bachelor’s in Supervisory Management in 2021, both from WVU Parkersburg. He is currently pursuing a Master’s of Executive Leadership from Liberty University. He is a Roanoke, Va. native, but currently lives in Lynchburg, Va. with his wife, Sarah, and their two kids, Kaitlin and Macon.

WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson reminded the graduating class that they would always have a support system behind them.

“While you were here at WVUP, we hope you learned in your classes, but we also hope that you realized that you have a support system beyond that of your family and friends. You have a campus of supporters that are here to celebrate your success today and that will continue to be WVU Parkersburg Proud of all of your future accomplishments,” said Jackson. “We believe in you!”

She continued, “Think of new and innovative ways to do things, agree to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to accomplish those dreams knowing that we’re here to have your back.”

 Over 100 graduates crossed the stage, with 292 students earning certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades.

To watch the Fall 2023 commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.

Scholarship will honor WVUP student killed in farming accident

The family of Ethan Cain, a WVU Parkersburg student killed in a farming accident, met with the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 to finalize the scholarship agreement of the Ethan Cain Memorial Scholarship.

“The scholarship holds significant meaning for the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation as it commemorates the life of Ethan and honors his passion for agriculture. It serves as a lasting tribute to his memory while supporting the educational pursuits of future agriculture students,” said Olivia Reeder, Director of WVU at Parkersburg Foundation. “We are grateful that the family chose such an impactful way to memorialize Ethan.”

Reeder said the scholarship is designed to financially assist agriculture students at WVUP.

“It may cover various expenses related to their education, such as tuition, textbooks, and other academic fees, providing valuable support for their academic journey,” said Reeder.

Sheena Deem, Cain’s aunt, as well as several cousins and other family members attended the scholarship signing in his honor.

“This scholarship means a lot to us. This means that we’re keeping Ethan’s name alive,” said Deem. “We wanted to try to help out other kids that needed help on trying to further their education in Agriculture.”

Deem said that Ethan had been interested in farming since he could walk.

“Ethan, for probably as soon as he was able to walk was riding a tractor with papaw, he lived, ate and breathed the farm,” said Deem.

Deem said that Cain participated in WVUP’s Short-Term Agribusiness program and worked on the Riverhawk Farm with John Riggs, agriculture director.

“Ethan Cain meant an awful lot to me, as a friend, a student and a farmer. I really respected his drive and work ethic for as young as he was; it is hard to come by that level of work ethic today,” said Riggs. “He took a great deal of pride in working to earn money and buying his own things. He was one of those farm kids, much like myself, that loved to be out on the tractor baling hay or feeding cattle.”

Riggs said this scholarship will honor Cain by helping aspiring agriculturists.

“I am honored and humbled that the Cain and Clevenger families trusted me to bring this scholarship to WVU Parkersburg’s Agriculture program. WVU Parkersburg Agriculture’s main goal is educating the next generation of agriculturalists,” said Riggs. “When I was first told about the Ethan Cain Memorial Scholarship, I became very emotional due to my connection with the family and the sensitivity of the matter. Knowing what this means to the family, community and the future of agriculture education for other students we will strive to be the best stewards of this funding as we can be, while I wish it was Ethan continuing his education, I know that he would be able to provide agriculture education to other aspiring agriculturalists.”

Riggs said seeing the community come together to support the scholarship speaks volumes to what type of person Cain was.

“His name will live on forever through this scholarship and many students will be able to advance their farming knowledge because of him. That would have meant a great deal to Ethan,” said Riggs. “I would like to thank the family, community and the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation for all the work that went into bringing The Ethan Cain Memorial Fund to fruition.”

The scholarship will be available to students who have graduated from Ritchie County High School or St. Marys High School, who plans to pursue agriculture at WVUP. If no student from that area is eligible, it may go to any West Virginia student pursuing agriculture.

Contact the WVU at Parkersburg Foundation at foundation@wvup.edu for more information.

Home for the Holidays Concert Series is coming to Parkersburg

Landau Eugene Murphy, WV native and winner of America’s Got Talent Season 6, and Kamron Lawson, American Idol Golden Ticket winner, will be in Parkersburg Wednesday, Dec. 6 to promote their upcoming “Home for the Holidays” concert Dec. 14.

This year, Landau will bring his tour to 12 towns throughout West Virginia, including Parkersburg, performing
a variety of Christmas classics and fan favorites.

Kamron is also a WV native.  He was a clerk at Walmart in Beckley and his co-workers encouraged him to try out for American Idol.  He made it to Hollywood.

They will be visiting the Parkersburg High School choir at 11:05 a.m. Wednesday. He will talk with them about the business and his campaign encouraging graduation.  He’s also doing a toy drive as a part of his WV concert series Home for the Holidays.

They also will make an appearance, sign autographs and promote their upcoming concert at the Hallmark in the mall at Noon to 1 p.m.

They will be performing at the Blennerhassett School Auditorium Thursday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

More information and tickets are at the wvsop.org\tickets.  Tickets also will be sold at the door.

WVUP ranked fifth in nation for Military Times “Best For Vets: Career & Technical Colleges”  

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (November 21, 2023) — WVU Parkersburg was recently acknowledged for its support of veteran and military students by Military Times, ranking no. 5 on its annual “Best for Vets: Career & Technical Colleges list.”

Military Times “Best for Vets” survey is an editorially independent news project that evaluates many factors that help make colleges and universities a good fit for service members, military veterans and their families. The ranking is based upon an institution’s culture, student support, academic policies, academic outcomes/quality and financial aid. Military Times ranked 890 schools, but only 325 made their “Best for Vets” list in 2023.

WVU Parkersburg consistently ranks among the top career and technical schools for veterans by Military Times, both nationally and in West Virginia overall.

“West Virginia University at Parkersburg is an excellent choice for veterans due to its comprehensive support. The university prioritizes veterans by simplifying GI Bill usage, offering a dedicated veteran resource center, and staffing a specialized student lounge for veterans,” said WVU Parkersburg Veterans Advocate Darren Shearlock. “Moreover, the recognition of veteran students through the presentation of honor cords during graduation further underscores WVUP’s commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served. Such tailored support, both in significant and smaller ways, fosters a community where veterans can thrive academically and personally.”

The college’s Veterans Resource Center provides a learning environment that conveys the college’s appreciation of the service and sacrifices of our veteran students and offers the tools and services necessary for them to achieve academic success. The center gives veteran and military students a quiet place to study, a space to socialize and a place to discuss veteran-specific issues on campus.

Students also have access to a veterans advocate to help them manage college credit transfers, secure financing through the GI Bill and apply for VA benefits. Other services provided by the center include free tutoring and veteran-based scholarships to help students pay for tuition and fees.

The “Best for Vets” college rankings are published in the Air Force Times, Army Times, Marine Corps Times and Navy Times, as well as on the Military Times website. To view the full rankings, go to https://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/rankings/colleges/.

To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s veteran resources, contact Darren Shearlock at 304-424-8337 or darren.shearlock@wvup.edu.

WVUP places 109 in national cyber competition

 Parkersburg, W.Va. (November 20, 2023) — Seven WVUP students competed in the Fall 2023 National Cyber League (NCL) team competition from November 3 through November 5, placing in the top two percent in the country.

The NCL is a collegiate cybersecurity competition focused on inclusive, performance-based, learning-centered challenges. Powered by their partner Cyber Skyline, the NCL provides students the ability to test their practical, hands-on cybersecurity skills against other United States based high school and college students.

WVUP’s Fall 2023 NCL team was coached by WVUP Professors Norma DePriest and Doug Rhodes. Rhodes said the team demonstrated their ability to work with various cybersecurity concepts and tools in categories such as password cracking, forensics and network traffic analysis, ultimately placing 109 amongst 4689 teams nationwide.

“We threw out the challenge at the beginning of the semester and the students rose to the expectation,” said Rhodes. “We are so proud of how they performed, and I hope they return next semester and compete again.”

Every year, over 10,000 students from more than 500 colleges and universities and 100 high schools across the United States participate in the NCL competitions, the Cyber Power Rankings represent the ability of these students from these schools to perform real-world cybersecurity tasks on the Cyber Skyline platform. WVUP ranked 59 overall nationally in the Cyber Power Rankings, and placed 26 in the eastern region.

The members of the team included Katie Butcher, Caitlin Byrne, Paul Gordon, Ethan Joy, Colby Lamb, Parker Stanley and Matthew Stuckert. These students are currently enrolled in WVUP’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer and Information Technology or Bachelor of Applied Technology in Cybersecurity and Network Administration degree programs.

Rhodes said during the individual game a few weeks prior to the team game, three of the seven students placed in the top 25%, with Colby Lamb placing 167 out of 7926 individual competitors.

Lamb said he really enjoyed the team game, because it was a fun time hanging out and competing as a team.

To learn more about WVUP’s Cybersecurity and Network Administration program, visit https://www.wvup.edu/future-students/academics/wtcis/cybersecurity/ or, contact Michele Wilson at Michele.Wilson@wvup.edu.

WVU Parkersburg Art Club and Veterans Corp honored Veterans Day

Parkersburg, W.Va. (Nov. 10, 2023) – Volunteers from the WVU Parkersburg Art Club and the campus Veterans Corps hosted a ceremony at the Wood County Poorhouse Cemetery to honor Veterans Day and the veterans buried at the cemetery on Thursday, Nov. 9.

“Veterans Day is a U.S. federal holiday that is dedicated to honoring and remembering American veterans of all wars, whether they’re currently serving or not. This day provides us with the opportunity to show our gratitude for all the sacrifices that they have made and still make to ensure safety and freedom,” said Dr. Lauri Reidmiller, Art Club Advisor, in her opening speech at the ceremony.

The Poorhouse Cemetery inters veterans from World War I, World War II, the Korean War and even the American Revolutionary War. Some tombstones have U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps seals and emblems on them but do not indicate what wars the veterans served in.

“Honoring these veterans is the least we can do. They gave us so much; it is only proper that we remember their sacrifices,” said Darren Shearlock, WVUP Veterans Advocate. “As a society, if we fail to honor those that have sacrificed for us, we may find ourselves without people willing to do so if we are in need in the future.”

Attendees of the ceremony walked to each known veteran grave and placed American flags on them. More veterans may be buried in the cemetery, but there are no indicators on their tombstones.

“Learning about the veterans buried at the Wood County Poorhouse Cemetery allows us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of those who fought for our freedom,” said Dr. Reidmiller.