West Liberty, W.Va., May 7, 2016 — West Liberty University President Dr. Stephen Greiner presided over Commencement exercises held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 7, 2016, on a beautiful spring morning. Three hundred and seventy-eight students completed graduation requirements during the spring semester.
The ceremony, held in in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC), began with an early presentation of diploma to graduating tennis player Martin Moncayo of Ecuador. Because of the Mountain East Conference champion Hilltopper’s participation in today’s NCAA Division II Tournament, he received his diploma at the start of the ceremony. Both of his parents traveled from Ecuador for the ceremony.
Student commencement speaker was Adam Truex of Glen Dale, W.Va. He earned a Bachelor of Leadership and Administration (BLA) degree from the School of Professional Studies.
As an adult student and veteran of the United States Navy, he took a moment to thank all veterans attending the ceremony for their service to our country. He praised the BLA degree program, calling it “exceptional” and went on to say how he believed in adult education and recognizes the sacrifice that adult learners make daily.
Truex ended with a traditional Naval wish of “farewell, fair winds and following seas.”
Ohio County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Dianna Vargo, next was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree by President Greiner, prior to delivering the keynote commencement address.
Vargo, a resident of Wheeling, began by offering her heartfelt congratulations. She then thanked WLU for the honor of performing the speaker role. She offered brief advice, asking “what inspires you, some person or event? Earning a degree is a major challenge and you have overcome all obstacles to do so. But you couldn’t do it without inspiration.”
Vargo then told an inspiring story of sharing and kindness that focused on a homeless shelter and a giving resident.
“Never stop being inspired by the goodness of others. Kindness and love will inspire you in your life. This is only the beginning. You worked hard for your degree in a place called “Almost Heaven” … go strong with confidence and determination. Your world needs you.”
The Commencement Ceremony was televised live on WLU-TV 14 (Comcast Channel 14 and online at wltvonline.com and will be rebroadcast over the weekend.
A reception for graduates, guests and families immediately followed the ceremony and was held in the College Union.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five colleges and a School of Professional Studies offer more than 60 majors and 30 programs that are nationally recognized or accredited. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, the Master of Professional Studies, the Master of Science in Criminology and the online MBA degrees.
For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.