WEST LIBERTY - The COVID-19 pandemic has sent West Liberty University's December commencement into the virtual landscape.
Social distancing and pandemic restrictions have moved the university to celebrate the fall semester commencement virtually at 11 a.m. Dec. 5. The virtual ceremony will air on Topper Station (topperstation.com) and social media that day, and all graduating students will be sent a link to view the ceremony on Topper Station.
"Our commencement is in no way diminished by its virtual nature and I congratulate all seniors who persisted through these unusual times and earned their degrees despite COVID-19," said WLU President Stephen Greiner, who will preside over the ceremony as one of his last official duties in that role. "I wish them the very best in their future."
One-hundred and thirty-three students are expected to complete their degree requirements during the fall semester. Thirty-five summer graduates will also be part of the virtual fall ceremony.
Provost Dr. Brian Crawford and WLU's five academic deans will recognize students graduating with special honors.
Samantha Pearl of Wheeling was awarded the honor of commencement student speaker. Pearl is graduating from the College of Liberal Arts with a major in interdisciplinary studies and a minor in psychology. The daughter of Darlene Cooke, who passed away in 2019 and Chris Cooke of Pennsylvania, Pearl plans to enter law school.
"My mother always said that I have a gift for argument and I want to help people in a concrete way, so law school interests me. That's why I combined criminal justice, psychology and philosophy in my major," Pearl added.
Her speech will share her thoughts about her education and the fact that WLU, though a small college, has prepared her well for her next step in life.
Other graduating seniors with the highest grade point average in each respective college are selected as the college banner carrier, these include:
* College of Arts & Communications Katherine V. Stamper, Glen Dale, W.Va.
* College of Sciences Abbey M. Cusick, Shadyside, Ohio
* West College of Business Clay M. McDonald, Valley Grove, W.Va.
* College of Education & Human Performance Larrin B. Shriver, Lost Creek, W.Va.
* College of Liberal Arts Katarina M. Donzella, Wheeling, W.Va.
* School of Professional Studies Donna M. Schuler, St. Clairsville, Ohio
December graduates also will be invited back to campus for a live, in-seat ceremony in Spring 2021 if it becomes safe to do so in the spring.