PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg has recognized its inaugural class of A.S.C.E.N.D. graduates during the program’s Summer Institute.

A.S.C.E.N.D., an acronym for Accelerating Student Completion: Encouraging New Dreams, was created to help more students earn certificate and associate degrees within three years by increasing financial, academic and personal support. Funded by a $1.7 million, five-year grant from Arnold Ventures, A.S.C.E.N.D. is modeled after the Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs at City University of New York’s colleges.

WVU Parkersburg is one of only two colleges chosen by the Arnold Foundation for financial support this year.

“The world can take away many things from you, but one thing it can never take away is your education,” WVU Parkersburg President Chris Gilmer said. “Once you earn it, it is yours forever. Each one of you is special, and we are so very proud of your determination to earn an education and a great career.”

Gilmer addressed the college’s inaugural class of A.S.C.E.N.D. students during the Summer Institute.

The Summer Institute, held over two days and four sessions to accommodate for public health and safety guidelines, was an orientation for 56 individuals participating in A.S.C.E.N.D.

“There is no better time, in recent memory, for WVU Parkersburg to launch this excellent program and welcome the first class of A.S.C.E.N.D. students,” WVU Parkersburg Provost Chad Crumbaker said. “The program is uniquely designed to individually support and benefit students in every way possible to ensure successful and on-time completion of their degrees. It was my pleasure to meet our A.S.C.E.N.D. students and I could sense their excitement about starting the school year and being a part of such a valuable and enriching program.”

During the event, students met with A.S.C.E.N.D. staff and faculty who offered information about special class registration options, career assistance, tutoring, tools to be successful in the classroom and more.

At the conclusion of the Summer Institute, students were recognized for their admission into the program with a signing ceremony.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome our first cohort of students into A.S.C.E.N.D.,” A.S.C.E.N.D. Director Jennifer Forster said. “Our goal is for all students in the cohort to complete their certificate or associate degree within three years with the help of additional academic advising, tutoring and career guidance.”

The inaugural class of A.S.C.E.N.D. students are: Chad Albright, Savannah Anthony, Zachary Ball, Sydney Barker, Jenna Barnhart, Jakeb Bertram, Kylee Bethel, Brittany Brady, Julian Brady, Brian Buck, Samantha Chandler, Heavenly Chase, Julie Coberly, Hunter Coull, Isaac Cutright, Mattyson Darling, Ethan Drinkwater, Kaitlyn Fox, Brook Freeland, Caden Fryman, Addison Garner, Savannah Hedgepath, Karly Henderson, Adam Hill, Adam Hoschar, Logan Jackson, Natalie James, Robert Jarvis, Zachary LeClain, Stormie Mahone, Taylor Marks, Jasmine McClure, Travis McDonald, Sierra Mcelwain, Christopher Miller, Jessica Mosier, Kylie Myers, Teddi Northrop, Sydney Nuckolls, Brayden Pfaff, Nachelle Probst, Alexandra Queen, Katelynn Rhodes, Nevada Richards, Noah Richardson, Zachary Silvia, Nathaniel Simonton, Trinity Smith, Tanner Snodgrass, Amauri Tillman, Raynah Wagoner, Amber Ward, Jacob Watson, Levi Westfall, Ethan Wix, Brooke Young.