MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Saturday was an emotional day in Morgantown with West Virginia University conducting December commencement ceremonies at the WVU Coliseum for the first time in two years.
Approximately 1,100 of the 2,700 students set to graduate after fall semester classes took part in two separate ceremonies.
WVU Gordon Gee congratulated the graduates for making through unprecedented times at WVU created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Grit and determination have always fueled Mountaineers and I have seen those qualities emerge even more strongly over the past several years, a disruptive and sometimes disheartening time for us all. But the skills and strengths you honed here will drive you onward,” Gee said.
Smiles for days?
To our graduates: Remember this moment, reflect on all you’ve accomplished, and come and visit us again soon. #WVUgrad pic.twitter.com/oBTSjfFZ0Q
— WVU Mountaineers (@WestVirginiaU) December 18, 2021
West Virginian Hershel “Woody” Williams, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, was awarded virtually a Presidential honorary degree.
A WVU news release listed other notable moments of Saturdays’ ceremony including:
–The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences honored its first cohort of Health and Well-being students.
–The School of Medicine saw its first MATTER track graduates.
— Students in the School of Public Health’s B.S. in Public Health program highlighted their support efforts across the state during the Undergraduate Senior Showcase.