FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2014
For more information:
Dustin Crutchfield
Public Relations Department
ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College
(304) 462-6394
Dustin.Crutchfield@glenville.edu
GLENVILLE, WV – The first official event was held in ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College's new Waco Center as graduates took part in the 140th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 10th.
The ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College Class of 2014 includes graduates who completed requirements for an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in a variety of academic areas including business, criminal justice, teacher education, and natural resource management among others. The GSC Class of 2014 is made up of more than 220 students who completed their degree requirements in July 2013, December 2013, and May 2014. The graduates come from several counties throughout West Virginia as well as nine other states (California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Virginia) and Serbia.
Keynote speaker, benefactor, and 1973 ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College alumnus, Michael T. Rust, shared knowledge that he gained during his time as a student. "The three main things I took away from my time here is what I refer to as the 'M, two L, and C doctrine,'" said Rust. "'M' for mentor – have one and be one to others, two 'Ls' for being a good listener and always continuing to learn, and finally 'C' for simply caring about others." He also encouraged the graduates to reach for the stars while always remembering to retain their human compassion. Rust then reminded the graduates of advice his father had once given him. "He told me to aim to become the CEO of a company – not Chief Executive Officer but rather the Chief Example Officer."
Rust is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kentucky Hospital Association. The organization is made up of 131 hospitals and health systems across the state of Kentucky. Additionally, he serves as President and CEO of the organization’s four subsidiary corporations. Rust was also honored as GSC's Alumnus of the Year in 2013. During the Commencement Ceremony, Rust was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from GSC.
Dr. Kathy Butler, Dr. Sherry Jones, and Dr. Mike Smith were bestowed with the title of Emeriti Faculty at the event. Additionally, 23 members of the GSC Class of 1964 were honored as fifty year graduates. Recognizing the fifty year graduates has become a tradition at the GSC commencement.
ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College also presented individual awards during the ceremony to an outstanding faculty member and graduate. Professor of History Dr. Art DeMatteo received the 2014 Faculty Award of Excellence. The 2014 Student Leadership Award was given to graduating senior Kyle J. Warner of Gassaway (Braxton County), West Virginia.
GSC President Dr. Peter B. Barr told the graduates, "My great hope is that your ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College education has sustained and advanced your aspirations for family, further education, workplace success, and above all 'for making this world a little better place.' My wife, Betsy, and I congratulate you on this extraordinary occasion and we wish for your continued happiness and success."
Fall classes at GSC will begin on Monday, August 18, 2014. For information on enrolling and beginning your journey as a GSC Pioneer, contact the ÏãåúÖ±²¥ State College Office of Admissions at www.glenville.edu or (304) 462-6130.