WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 27, 2022 (WVDN) — West Liberty University senior Katelynn Blair has been named the student speaker at Spring Commencement 2022.
The ceremony starts at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 7 in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex (ASRC). Three-hundred and ninety-three students are expected to complete graduation requirements during the spring semester and participate in the ceremony.
The in-person ceremony requires tickets due the large size of the class; however there will be a live stream of the event in Kelly Theatre as a second option for viewing the ceremony on campus.
Blair is from Tarantum, Pa. and is a double major in accounting and finance from the Gary E. West College of Business. She will attend law school in the fall at the University of Akron.
Blair was a member of the Hilltopper Softball Team, playing infield, for all four years. She also worked at the Campus Bookstore.
The daughter of Thomas and Donna Blair, also of Tarantum, Pa., Katelynn has a sister, Makayla Blair, who is a sophomore at WLU and also a member of the softball team.
The keynote commencement speaker is Dr. Jim Denova, former vice-president of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation of Pittsburgh.
The graduating student speaker duties rotate among WLU’s four colleges. The remaining graduating students with the highest GPA in each respective college have the honor of carrying the college banner. In the case of a tie, more than one student earns the duties.
The following students will serve as banner carriers:
· College of Sciences, Callie White, Buckhannon, W.Va. and Abigail Wollschlager, Fredericksburg, Va.
· West College of Business, Katherine Loader, Cambridge, Ohio, Baylee Snyder, Belmont, Ohio and Jared Ullom, Wheeling.
· College of Education and Human Performance, Brooke Provenzano, New Cumberland, W.Va. and Aubree Williams, Benwood, W.Va.
· College of Liberal and Creative Arts, Paul Denard, Wheeling, W.Va. and Raeann Keefe, Hedgesville, W.Va.
· Graduate Studies, McCall Brummage, Fairview, W.Va.
Doors will open for seating at 9:30 a.m. and face masks will not be required. However, guests, graduates and participants are encouraged to wear a mask if they wish to do so.
The Commencement ceremonies will be streamed live on Topper Station and will be broadcast live on WLU Social Media for those unable to attend.
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.
