WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Dec. 7, 2021 — Alumna Hillary Southworth will perform the duties of Alumni Speaker at Fall Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. The in-person ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC). Social distancing and face masks are required.
Southworth is a 2015 graduate from Twinsburg, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA in her major and was a member of the Hilltopper women’s basketball team. A former All-American guard, she will offer inspiring words in a virtual speech shown on the Main Street Video Board in the ASRC.
“Hillary is one of the most talented and dynamic players in school history. Her considerable abilities enabled her to garner National Player of the Year consideration while earning MEC Player of the Year accolades. Her senior year culminated with her leading her team to a conference championship and NCAA Tournament bid,” stated WLU Athletic Director Lynn Ullom, who is the former head coach of the Lady Hilltoppers and coached Southworth.
During her Junior Year, Southworth earned numerous sports accolades including: 2013 NCAA National First Team All-American, 2013 Atlantic Region Player of the Year and 2013 MEC Player of the Year.
Southworth traveled across the world after graduating and took part in a mission trip to Tanzania, East Africa, to work with the citizens of one of the poorest countries in the world as part of an internship with Projects Abroad. (Read more here in thus news article published in The Intelligencer in 2015.)
Southworth currently works as a Sales and Digital Marketing professional for Varda Partners and Social Media Marketing Coordinator for EVO.
Doors will open for seating at Commencement at 9:30 a.m. and tickets are not required.
The Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on Topper Station and will be broadcast live on social media for those unable to attend.
A reception for graduates, guests and families will be held in the College Union immediately following the ceremony. Parking will be available for guests behind the ASRC.