West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates Alison Gates, left, and Misty Cobb, right, share a joyful moment after walking the stage during the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony at WVUP on Saturday, May 10. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated its 54th annual spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, honoring 383 graduates who earned a total of 480 academic credentials.

Of those, 206 graduates participated in the ceremony, marking the largest number of attendees in the college’s history.

WVUP Board of Governors Vice Chair Blaine Hess opened the ceremony with greetings on behalf of the board. He commended the graduates’ diverse backgrounds, resilience, and personal growth throughout their academic journey.

“This is not the end, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and opportunity,” Hess said.

Student Government Association President Isabella Hileman then addressed this year’s graduates, reflecting on their shared experiences, sacrifices, and the lessons learned inside and outside of the classroom.

“Remember that setbacks aren’t roadblocks but instead stepping stones for a brighter future,” Hileman said.

WVUP President Torie Jackson welcomed family members, faculty, and guests, and recognized the vital role of support networks in each graduate’s success. She celebrated the college’s mission to empower students and elevate the Mid-Ohio Valley.

“We believe in you, and today, we all celebrate success with you,” Jackson said.

Keynote speaker Joe Oliverio, former chair of the WVUP Board of Governors and lifelong educator, delivered the keynote address. Using a scuba diving metaphor, he urged graduates to dive fully into life’s opportunities, embrace their self-worth, and find strength in even the smallest things – like the symbolic value of a penny.

“Just like pennies, you are worth more than you may imagine – and we need you to make the difference in our world,” Oliverio said.

Oliverio, of Belmont in Pleasants County, has devoted more than 40 years to education and public service. He has served as a teacher, principal, executive director, and board leader across numerous state and national organizations. He currently serves on the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.

Outside of education, Oliverio serves with the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Department and evaluates college basketball officials. He and his wife, Paula, share a love for scuba diving, performing in community theater, and have explored all seven continents.

This year, the college awarded 480 credentials to 383 graduates, including 349 associate or certificate degrees and 131 bachelor’s degrees. An additional 66 students completed non-academic workforce programs, with 213 total graduates participating in the ceremony — 206 academic and seven non-academic. Academic honors were conferred upon 63 cum laude, 54 magna cum laude, and 30 summa cum laude recipients.

WVUP also honored several individuals for distinguished service:

* Honorary Bachelor of Arts degrees were awarded to Donna Smith, JP Hushion, Jason Landers and Joe Oliverio, all former members of the WVUP Board of Governors.

* Charles Almond, distinguished chair of entrepreneurship, was named the Bernard P. McDonough Foundation Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year for his leadership in curriculum innovation and student engagement.

* David Thompson, professor of psychology, received emeritus status in recognition of 20 years of dedicated service.