WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., May 9, 2015 — West Liberty University Interim President Dr. John McCullough presided over the Spring Commencement exercises held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 9, in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC).
Pittsburgh banking leader and WLU alumna Kristina “Kris” K. Williams delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2015, which included 385 students. Williams was born and raised in Wheeling, and her father, Roland E. “Rollie” Williams taught at WLU for 37 years. She is the chief operating officer (COO) for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank Pittsburgh).
Dr. McCullough also presented Williams with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Williams message stressed the importance of choices and the acceptance of change.
“You’ve completed a significant step. Now it’s time to decide what you’ll do for the rest of your life. Life is not easy. Much will depend on the choices you make,” she began. “You may not know what you will do today, tomorrow or five years from now. But you have opportunity to change.”
She referenced her father and said she was grateful to him for making the choice to teach at West Liberty.
“Choices and decisions won’t always be easy but that’s OK. Do not be afraid to change. If you’re afraid to do something, do it anyway. You’re in charge of your future,” she continued.
“There really is no free lunch, you have to work hard — personally and professionally — and you will be successful. You can do it, as long as you believe it. Do not fear failure. Life is not perfect. Congratulations on your achievement and best of luck in your future,” she concluded.
A special moment in the Commencement Ceremony occurred when an honorary degree was presented posthumously to Margaret Moninger, a 1928 graduate from West Liberty State Teachers College, who died recently at the age of 107. Her son Calvin Moninger received the degree.
Graduates and guests also heard from graduating student speaker Samuel Miller of Washington, W.Va. A mathematics major, and the highest-ranking student from the College of Sciences, he has been accepted into Florida State University graduate school where he will study Financial Mathematics.
Miller discussed his personal growth during his college career, referencing his nerdy nature and shy personality. An resident assistant and serious student, he is known for his ability to work Rubik cubes.
As a freshman, “I was a serious, nerdy shy young man, but I’ve learned not to take myself so seriously. I’m still nerdy and shy but I’ve learned to laugh at myself,” he said. In conclusion he pulled out his cellphone and snapped a memorable selfie for social media usage, then thanked everyone responsible for his education and wished his classmates good luck in their futures.
Dr. McCullough conferred degrees on 33 master’s degree students, 17 graduating with the Master of Arts in Education degree and 16 earning the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies degree. Undergraduates included both bachelor and associate degrees from the College of Sciences and bachelor degrees from the College of Arts and Communications, the Gary E. West College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Professional Studies.
Also providing inspiration during the Commencement Ceremony was the West Liberty University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Matthew Inkster and the West Liberty University Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Scott Glysson.
View the complete commencement ceremonies on WLU-TV 14.