Music education major Michael Anderson has earned the distinguished honor of delivering the student address at West Liberty University’s Fall Commencement, 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14.
“West Liberty has offered me a chance to earn my degree and get started on my career while enjoying the experience. I am grateful and I look forward to Saturday,” said Anderson.
West Liberty University honors its top academic students with the speaking duty annually by rotating the duty among its six colleges and Anderson is a graduate of the College of Arts and Communication, earning a 4.0 grade point average.
“Over the past four years, Michael has been my student both privately in piano lessons as well as in the classroom. Simply put, he is every teacher’s ‘dream student.’ Mr. Anderson’s work consistently displays the ideal amalgamation of the following: extraordinary dedication; a bright, inquisitive mind; creative, heartfelt musicianship and ironclad integrity. Plus, he’s just an all-around great guy — always positive, considerate, and supportive! I will greatly miss him as he moves on to the next, exciting chapter in his life journey,” said Gerald Lee, WLU associate professor of piano and his academic advisor.
Anderson also has been a member of the Marching Hilltoppers, the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Concert Choir and the University Chorus. Additionally, he performed in one of the Hilltop Players musicals, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
Anderson is an Elbin Scholar and member of Alpha Chi, the national college honor society. He also is a member of the Order of the Torch, WLU men’s honorary that celebrates distinguished faculty and male students in terms of scholarship, service and sportsmanship.
Most recently, he completed his student teaching at Wheeling Middle School, Bethlehem Elementary and Wheeling Park High School.
The son of Ruthann and Gary Anderson, Mount Pleasant, Ohio, he also is a graduate of Buckeye Local High School. His next career step is to be a substitute teacher until he lands a fulltime position in the teaching field. He also plans to continue his education in graduate school.
Anderson is currently employed as organist and choir director at St. Mary’s Parish, Martins Ferry, Ohio.