WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Dec. 11, 2021 — Despite a rainy, windy day, West Liberty University graduates enjoyed a joyful celebration as they gathered for Commencement Ceremonies held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 11.
President W. Franklin Evans presided over the ceremony held in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC).
Evans welcomed all graduates, honored guests, families and friends to the ceremonies. He congratulated all family members and friends who helped the graduates reach this point. He also thanked all graduates for selecting West Liberty University.
Next, Interim Provost Dr. Bonnie Suderman presented the special guests, as the ceremonies began.
Chairman of the Board of Governors and Rich Lucas offered personal greetings from the governing board. Lucas, also an alumnus, encouraged graduates to “never underestimate the power of your degree. You’re unique. You’re a Hilltopper.”
Senior Juliana Haug of Waynesboro, Va. earned the honor of being the student speaker based on her GPA and status as a summa cum laude graduate of the College of Liberal and Creative Arts.
Haug earned a degree in Creative Arts Therapy and was a member of the Hilltopper women’s soccer team during her time on the Hilltop. She is now pursuing the WLU’s Master of Art Therapy and Counseling degree program.
Haug began by stating that she was honored by today’s task. She shared a personal experience that she encountered just a few weeks prior to commencement.
“The week before Thanksgiving, my 20-page student paper was wiped from my computer,” she explained. This unfortunate error caused her to jokingly consider dropping out with just two weeks left in the semester. A consideration that was all in jest.
She then considered what would be wise which helped her continue and finish her degree. She referred to a valuable book that she is rereading by C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory,” that dives into the meaning of glory or fame. “Glory is the appreciation, recognition and approval of our actions and our work,” Haug said.
She concluded by congratulating her fellow graduates on their achievements.
The keynote commencement speaker was alumnus, local attorney and president of the Ohio County Board of Education David Croft.
Croft shared the experience of a trip taken recently to Las Vegas with his 21-year-old son, that he planned as a way to share success stories and opportunities open to those who succeed.
He also explained that he’s been blessed and lucky. He referred to a mantra that he learned from his attorney friend, retired Judge Jim Seibert who said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
He said that there are many different paths to success. He gave examples of his brother and a friend who took different paths, one climbing the corporate ladder, the other choosing entrepreneurship as a way to reach his goals after.
“All of us have achieved and enjoyed financial success. We each arrived and achieved success in different ways, however there are 10 characteristics of success that I will share,” he stated.
- Hard work
- Goal-oriented
- Failure is not an option.
- Integrity
- Lead by example
- Lean into fear
- Admit mistakes, apologize
- Learn constantly
- Do what you do and stay in your lane
- Surround yourself with good people
- Recognize that being content is fatal to future success
Croft took time to share how devastated he was when his life took an unexpected turn in 1992 and he was divorced. This brought him to redirect his life, become a CPA and eventually start law school at age 30. He also remarried and created his personal success story.
“My journey took many turns and patterns. When I was in your seat, I thought I knew it but it has changed over time and evolved,” he said.
“The only ones that fail are those who quit trying,” he said. “I hope my words today help you define your success. Own it, learn it and move on.”
In conclusion he stated, “Decide what to be and go be it.”
President Evans conferred Croft with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and following this, all graduates received their degrees.
One hundred and sixty students were expected to participate in the fall ceremony.
Also honored were graduating students with the highest GPA in each respective college who received the honor of carrying the college banner.
- College of Business, Brendan Adams, Martins Ferry, Ohio
- College of Education & Human Performance, Lindsey Smith, Chester, W.Va.
- College of Sciences, Kamden Dulesky, Bridgeport, Ohio
- College of Liberal and Creative Arts, Lauren Anderson, Canton, Ohio
- Graduate Studies, Evelyn Frobey, Pawleys Island, S.C.
President Evans concluded the ceremonies with brief remarks.
“Please know that you’ll truly be missed. You will not be forgotten. Be proud of your accomplishments. A degree from WLU represents a solid education and will allow you to grow, personally, professionally, and socially.
“Stay in touch with faculty, staff and classmates. Visit the campus often. Make it a priority to support your alma mater. It is, and always will remain, a home of yours forever and ever. There is no place like home. We wish you the best in the endeavors of your life.”
The Commencement ceremonies can be found on Topper Station for those unable to attend.
Both the University Concert Band and the University Singers took part in the ceremony. Soloist was Josephine Jarret.
The Commencement followed pandemic rules of social distancing and face masks required in all buildings. A reception for graduates, guests and families was held in the College Union immediately following the ceremony.