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West Virginia Northern Community College celebrated the success of 340 students during its 37th commencement Friday at WesBanco Arena in downtown Wheeling.

Graduates were honored with the presentation of 117 certificates, 39 associate in arts, 15 associate in science and 241 associate in applied science degrees. Some students were awarded more than one degree or certificate.

College President Martin J. Olshinsky welcomed attendees and was first to congratulate the graduates.

Miranda Postle, who represented the student body to WVNCC's Board of Governors, was a featured speaker. Her remarks focused on the unique circumstances many Northern students face. A wife and mother who also does volunteer work, Postle is considered a "non-traditional" student, as are many who attend classes at WVNCC. Because of this, Postle recognized that the graduates had not achieved success on their own; instead, she said, they had the help and support of their families and friends, the institution and its faculty and staff.

"For many of us, the debt we owe to these people cannot be repaid, nor would they want us to even try to do so," she said.

In addition to recognizing the college's work to educate everyone in the graduating class, she pointed to the school's reputation for community service and the belief that "life outside the classroom" is an important part of the college experience at Northern.

Delivering the keynote address for the ceremony was Jim Forbes, managing editor and anchor for WTRF-TV and Fox Ohio Valley. Forbes discussed the importance of education, noting he said he did not always understand the crucial role it would play in his own life. He pointed out that he has had the opportunity to teach journalism classes at Northern in the past and currently serves on the faculty at Bethany College - a vocation he has grown to love.

Forbes told the graduates that life will not be easy but said they will prevail if they approach life with a positive attitude; believe in God and themselves; refuse to place limits on their capacity; face obstacles with determination; and maintain enthusiasm in everything they do.

A special honor was bestowed upon Sunita Maria Laksmi Britton of McMechen, who earned valedictorian status and was presented the Donald D. Nemanich & Sarah O. Bodkin Academic Excellence award by Charles Rogerson, president of the Faculty Assembly. This monetary award is presented by the faculty to the valedictorian of each class in memory of these two faculty leaders.

Britton earned two associate in arts degrees - one in the general concentration and one in the psychology concentration. She already has completed an associate in science degree. She also is close to finishing a degree in sociology and will return to Northern in the fall to complete it. She then plans to transfer to West Liberty University through a 2+2 agreement between WVNCC and West Liberty University. She is a 1997 graduate of John Marshall High School and a native of Germany, have moved to the United States at age 5.

Also honored was Chef Steven Rujak of the WVNCC Class of 1987. The former Weirton resident was named the American Culinary Federation's National Pastry Chef of the Year in 2006. In February, Rujak was named South East Regional Pastry Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation, Central Florida Chapter. He also has received numerous gold and silver medals as well as placing "Best of Show" and "Most Original."

He is beginning his eighth year at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Fla., where he is the executive sous chef and executive pastry chef.

He also has been an adjunct professor at Valencia Community College for the past 10 years.

On Friday, though he unable to attend, Rujak was recognized with the Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumnus Award.

In addition to Olshinsky, Vice President of Academic Affairs Vicki Riley helped officiate the ceremony. Board of Governors Vice Chair William C. Haught conferred the certificates and degrees.