West Liberty University Graduates Hear Message of Perseverance
WEST LIBERTY — Perseverance in the face of adversity was the message delivered to West Liberty University’s fall graduating class during commencement cermonies Saturday.
Alumna Christina Greer spoke to the graduates, conveying her own story of adversity. After dropping out of high school after becoming pregnant, Greer endured the death of her child in infancy before deciding that she would not see positive change in her life without taking initiative to continue her education, which she did at West Liberty.
“I was working midnight shift at a gas station, and one night after my grief had given way to numbness, I realized I had a choice: I could either stay at this job that was neither paying the bills nor making me happy, or I could get an education,” Greer said. “In the fall of 1993, I found myself walking onto West Liberty’s campus, ready to start over. … Before my first semester even ended, I knew I had found my place in the world. I made wonderful friendships that continue to enrich my life.”
Greer said her second year at WLU inspired her to pursue higher education like her professors, to inspire others who identified with her struggles and become a professor herself, pursuing graduate studies and becoming an accomplished writer before returning home.
“I wondered, is it truly possible to go home again? I’m happy to say that the Ohio Valley I ran away from so long ago is now my home. When I came back on my terms, as a woman dedicated to helping others, I now live together with my son, and the beautiful life we’ve created. … I tell you this because if I listened to common sense and public opinion, I’d still be living in poverty, without my education, my job that I love and my son.
“Walk out knowing that the road ahead is a bumpy one. College students today graduate with more debt and less job opportunities than any generation before them,” Greer continued. “You might have to leave the valley. You might have to take jobs that have nothing to do with your degree. But don’t let short-term struggles dictate your long-term goals.”
WLU President Stephen Greiner presented Greer with an honorary doctor of humane letters degree just prior to her address, recognizing her as a person of strong moral character and as a leader in the Wheeling community.
Also speaking at commencement was graduating senior Cindi Greathouse, an honor she received based upon her grade point average. She is an elementary education major and plans to teach and earn her master’s degree after graduation.
“My parents never saw my strong will, stubbornness, need to control, and unwillingness to conform as positive attributes, but it is those same attributes that brought me here today,” Greathouse said. “And I know many of you now have those same attributes.”
A totlal of 138 students graduated at the conclusion of the fall semester.
Other graduating seniors, with the highest grade point average in each respective college, carried their college banner:
– College of Arts & Communication: Rosalie A. Haizlett of Bethany
– College of Education: Jessica L. Zeigler of Rayland
– College of Liberal Arts: Katelyn M. Harris of Clendenin, W.Va.
– College of Sciences: Emily Sloat of Follansbee
– West College of Business: Danielle E. Seckman of Alma
– School of Professional Studies: Brandi N. Alderman of Valley Grove
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