Spring West Liberty graduates are a first for university

WEST LIBERTY - Saturday marked a memorable day for the former West Liberty State College, as the school's spring commencement recognized, not only the 265 students receiving diplomas, but also the first graduating class of the newly established West Liberty University.

President Robin Capehart initiated the ceremony and was excited to be able to call this class the first class taking away a diploma from WLU.

David R. Tyson, chairman of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission delivered the commencement address, while the graduating student speaker was Rebecca Medley of Wintersville.

Based on their academic achievements, four students were selected to carry their respective schools' banner during the ceremony.

Kimberly Breiding of Wheeling held the banner for the School of Business Administration, Christina Cain of Glen Dale, W.Va. held the banner for the School of Education, Daria Wood of Wheeling held the banner for the School of Liberal Arts and Shelly Sites of Moorefield, W.Va. held the banner for the School of Sciences.

Local graduates, listed by hometown, are:

Follansbee: Elizabeth Ann Absher, Shannon Lane Baldauf, Adam Edward Barney, Rene D. Bebout, Christopher G. Corcoran, Margo Marie Diserio, Travis John Edwards, Michelle Angela Falbo, Monica M. Glover, James Franklin Gray, Jenna N. Heaton, Meredith Dawn Hood, Mystin S. Johnson, Jenilyn L. McCoy, Bryan Edward Morgan, Joseph J. Olenick, Elizabeth Lee Quattrocchi, Steven M. Rovnak, Bethany Allison Snyder, Candy A. Taylor, David M. Zanieski. Fort Ashby: Julie Ann Cessna. Glen Dale: Christina Lynn Cain, Kari J. Jack, Stacy M. Jack, Cali Racquel Young.

Weirton: Brandi L. Addison, Hannah Marie Barlow, Megan Marie Carey, Kevin S. Cox, Aaron David Elliott, Katie Ann Felton, Angela Kalliope Glyptis, Crystal R. Guzniczak, Keith R. Hixenbaugh, Brian Michael Kester, Leslee Anne Little-Soplinski, Nicole Elizabeth Long, Carrie Lorraine Magnone, Hymandria Sue Martin, Jessica D. Morris, Jacob Lee Myers, Jessica Leigh Pearl, Dave J. Rauschenberg, Jessica L. Rosohac, Mark Alan Vance, Leslie Anne Veltri.

Wellsburg: Jamie Lorane Blundon, Renee Michelle Briggs, Michelle L. Feist, Melissa J. Freshwater, Lindsey Diane Mick, Kourtney K. Provenzano, Brittany Nicole Staffileno, Danielle Renee Stewart, Brian K. Tennant.

Windsor Heights: Stephanie Elaine Stewart.