The commencement speaker will be Wheeling Mayor and WLU Alumnus Andy McKenzie. After graduating from West Liberty State College, Mayor McKenzie received his MBA from West Virginia University. In addition, he holds two certifications – CRPS (Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist) and AAMS (Accredited Asset Management Specialist).
Besides serving as mayor, McKenzie is employed as a financial advisor. He also has served as a Senator with the West Virginia Legislature from 1996-2008 where he held the positions of Minority Whip for the 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th and 77th Legislatures.
One hundred and thirty-three students are expected to complete graduation requirements during the fall semester. Gloria Coffman, Bellaire, Ohio, will be the graduating student speaker.
The graduating student with the highest grade point average in each respective college will receive the honor of carrying the college banner. During the ceremony, the following students will be serving as banner carriers:
- College of Arts & Communication, Kelsey Wetzel, St. Clairsville, Ohio.
- College of Sciences, Ethan Kobe, Ravenswood, W.Va.
- College of Business, Bethany Cogley, Wheeling, W.Va.
- College of Education, Shelby Zelinski, Glen Dale, W.Va.
- College of Liberal Arts, Hannah Pyles, Cameron, W.Va.
- School of Professional Studies, Emily Shepherd, Bellaire, Ohio.
The Commencement Ceremony will be televised live on WLU Television Comcast Channel 14.
A reception for graduates, guests and families will be held in the Student Union immediately following the ceremony. Parking will be available for guests behind the ASRC.
Students graduating summa cum laude include: Gloria J. Coffman of Bellaire, Ohio; Bethany Nicole Cogley of Wheeling; Ethan Edward Kobe of Ravenswood, W.Va.; Sean M. Pulice of Weirton; Hannah Kathryn Pyles of Cameron, W.Va.; and Shelby Judith Lea Zelinski of Glen Dale.
Students graduating magna cum laude: Jessica Lynn Bennett of Wheeling; Karlie E. Davis of Woodsfield, Ohio; Kevin Edgar Kidwell of Keyser, W.Va.; Kayla Marie Pace of Steubenville, Ohio; Charisse Lynn Powell of West Alexander, Pa.; Kelsey Marie Wetzel of St. Clairsville, Ohio; and Emma Louise Windsor of Oswestry, England.
Students graduating cum laude: Tammy Marie Brenwalt of Valley Bend, W.Va.; Morgan Michele DeGarmo of Claysville, Pa.; Jennifer Mary Fiedorczyk of Weirton; Karin Jayne Freese of Wheeling; Lauren Irene Herman of Washington, Pa.; Marie Elizabeth Holt of Toronto, Ohio; Brittany Noel Kimball of Colliers, W.Va.; Max Aaron King of Toronto, Ohio; Alex N. Knotts of Weirton; Natasha Beth Materkoski of Saint Clairsville, Ohio; Rachel Maurine Mazzella of Wellsburg; Olivia Anne McIntosh of Wheeling; Jonathan Niel Renforth of Wheeling; Cheryl A. Rush of Avella, Pa.; Emily Virginia Shepherd of Bellaire, Ohio; Kayla Rae Stanley of Williamstown, W.Va.; and Matthew T. Wood of Bloomingdale, Ohio.