West Virginia University at Parkersburg holds Fall Commencement

Keith Burdette, president and chief executive officer of Polymer Alliance Zone, was the keynote speaker at he WVU Parkersburg Fall 2024 Commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14. (Photo Provided by WVU Parkersburg)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg Saturday held its 2024 Fall Commencement with more than 300 students earning degrees.

The welcome was given by Isabella Hileman, president of WVU Parkersburg Student Government Association, who introduced the keynote speaker, Keith Burdette, president and chief executive officer of the Polymer Alliance Zone.

Hileman shared her insights of her college journey, encouraging the fall class of 2024 to value relationships, embrace challenges beyond their comfort zones and view graduation as the start of a greater journey.

“Graduation is not an end, but instead it’s a part of a longer journey. Wherever the future takes you, let it be somewhere bright,” Hileman said.

Burdette highlighted the importance of the lessons that come after college, urging graduates to embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and to remain open to possibilities ahead.

Drawing from his own experiences, Burdette said the most meaningful lessons in life came not from success, but from failure. Challenging and unwelcome moments have shaped his actions and taught him to appreciate success, he said.

“Take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself so seriously. Don’t be afraid to laugh at the mistakes,” Burdette said. “Be the best you can be at whatever you choose to be, but laugh at yourself a little along the way.”

Burdette has held several public and economic development roles including secretary for the West Virginia Department of Commerce and executive director of the West Virginia Development Office. Burdette was the youngest Senate president in West Virginia’s history, served in the House of Delegates and held advisory roles under Govs. Earl Ray Tomblin and Bob Wise.

Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg, talked about the history of higher education, the legacy of WVU Parkersburg and steps students should take to move forward.

“Our success has been based on our ability to be adaptable and make necessary changes. The same skills you have learned are the ones we apply to redevelop ourselves and match the needs of our communities,” Jackson said. “It’s why we start new degrees. It’s why we reinvigorate others. Our mission still is to cultivate economic and social progress. We will continue to elevate and so should you.”

Jackson left graduates with a message.

“As you enter the next part of your life, have confidence, be proud of your accomplishments and know that you are ready to achieve more,” she said.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 123 graduates who crossed the stage, with 330 students earning certificates, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades.

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* The full fall 2024 commencement ceremony is available to watch online at https://tinyurl.com/37kbuff3.

* For more videos, West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s YouTube page is at https://www.youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.