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Jim Denova, whose philanthropic work has led to millions of dollars in grants for West Liberty University, will be the keynote speaker at WLU's spring commencement at 11 a.m. May 7 at the university's Academic, Sports and Recreation Complec.
Denova, who holds a doctorate in social research from the University of Pittsburgh, is a champion for education and for the state of West Virginia. He retired in 2021 from his position as vice president of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, which funds programs that help cultivate creativity in people and communities in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania.
Denova has been an advocate for WLU, as well as other organizations and institutions in the community, region and state, who directly or indirectly support the mission of West Liberty University.
Through Denova's leadership, the WLU Foundation has received nearly $2.5 million in Benedum Foundation programmatic grants since 2002 that support the College of Education and Human Performance. One such project is the WLU Center for Arts and Education.
"West Liberty University is honored Dr. Denova has agreed to speak to our Class of 2022," WLU President W. Franklin Evans said. "His reputation for innovation in education, and his ability to advance economic development, is undeniable.
"Thanks to his philanthropic skills, West Liberty University has enjoyed many advantages," he added. "Clearly, he is an exceptional leader.
Evans will preside over the commencement ceremony and will confer an honorary doctor of humane letters degree on Denova during the proceedings.
Denova is now an independent contractor working with a variety of education and economic development initiatives with more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy -- including Benedum Foundation vice president, executive director of the Forbes Fund, and senior program officer with the Jewish Healthcare Foundation.
Prior non-profit employment spans a range of positions: director of research and planning for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, research director for the Community College of Beaver County, program director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, social service supervisor for John J. Kane Hospital, and senior therapist with Jefferson County Comprehensive Mental Health Center.
Denova has received awards from the Children's Defense Fund, Marshall University's Harless Center for Rural Education Research and Development, the Mon Valley Initiative, Philanthropy West Virginia, Southwest Pennsylvania Partnership on Aging, Shepherd University, and the National Association of Educational Service Agencies.
West Liberty University's spring commencement will be in person but due to the size of the graduation class, each graduate will receive five tickets to share with family and friends. WLU also will offer live stream viewing for guests inside Kelly Theater. Commencement also can be viewed live on Topper Station (topperstation.com) as well as on social media.
Doors open for seating at commencement at 9:30 a.m.
A reception for graduates, guests and families will be held in the College Union immediately following the ceremony. Parking will be available for guests behind the ASRC.