Saturday West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated their 2021 graduates and their 60th year as a University. In order to best adhere to COVID-19 regulations the graduation ceremony was held in one of the colleges parking lots. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated their 2021 graduates and their 60th year as a university Saturday in person.

This was the 50th annual spring commencement for the college.

In order to best adhere to COVID-19 regulations, the graduation ceremony was held in one of the college’s parking lots.

WVU-P was the first public university in the state to announce a switch to online learning in March 2020, according to President of the college, Dr. Chris Gilmer, and at the ceremony he was pleased to announce the college’s current plan will be to resume face-to-face instruction in the fall of 2021.

“None of us reach a moment like this alone. None of us reaches moments like this without a legion of people supporting us. Some known, many unknown, who begin their sacrifices generations before you were even born,” said Gilmer. “Somewhere among this assembly is a mother who watched her grandchild so her son or daughter could go to class; somewhere there is a spouse who worked an extra shift to pay for textbooks; somewhere there is a veteran who served this nation, then came home to pursue an education; somewhere is a father who borrowed against his present to secure a better future for his child. I am very proud of all of you.”

Saturday West Virginia University at Parkersburg celebrated their 2021 graduates and their 60th year as a University. WVU-P set up a stage and chairs outside for students, faculty, friends and family to enjoy the ceremony. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

Following opening speeches, the college held a moment of silence for those lost during the pandemic.

Dr. Torie Jackson, WVU Parkersburg vice president for Institutional Advancement and WVU at Parkersburg Foundation president and CEO, gave the commencement address.

“You before us are a symbol of our present and our future,” said Jackson.

Jackson is a proud WVU Parkersburg alumna who built the college’s four-year Communication and Media Studies program and founded its radio station, WPKM 96.3 FM, the Beat. According to a press release provided by the college, she was the strongest advocate for the Spring 2021 commencement to take place face-to-face.

“Each student crossing the stage today has a story of accomplishment,” said Jackson.

Ricky the Riverhawk rode around the graduation to celebrate the school’s 60 year anniversary and the 2021 graduates. (Photo by Madeline Scarborough)

During her speech, she referenced a commercial the college is running that talks with alumni of the college.

“You hear the alumni talk about how here at WVU-P they were encouraged, accepted and pushed to succeed. Here, they found a home,” said Jackson.

She shared some of their stories and spoke about how proud it makes her to be able to continue playing an active role in the college community.

More than 150 graduates crossed the stage, with a total of 358 students earning certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades. The college also awarded four honorary degrees and emeritus status to five college faculty and staff.

Honorary degrees were given to Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, retired United States Marine Corps warrant officer; Sam Winans, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors chair; Cheryl Donohoe, former WVU Parkersburg Board of Governors member, and Jackson, the commencement speaker.

Emeritus status, which is sometimes awarded posthumously, was bestowed upon past university faculty and staff for their service and distinguished career. WVU Parkersburg presented emeritus status to Debbie Baker, professor; Dr. Cindy Gissy, associate provost and professor; Janice McCue, program coordinator; Cheryl B. Robinson, professor and Dr. Sy Sarkarat, professor.

Also during the ceremony, WVU Parkersburg recognized Dr. Missy Spivy as the Bernard P. McDonough Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. Spivy is an associate professor in the education division, faculty senate representative and accreditation leader in her division, ensuring teacher candidates in the elementary education program meet rigorous standards prior to graduation.

To watch the Spring 2021 commencement ceremony, visit youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.

Madeline Scarborough can be reached at mscarborough@gmail.com