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Graduates in gold and blue to be celebrated during WVU Commencement Weekend

WVU graduates singing with their arms around each other at the commencement ceremony in their blue caps and gowns.

West Virginia University graduates celebrate at the Coliseum, Dec. 17, 2022. (WVU Photo/David Malecki)

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WHAT: West Virginia University marks Commencement Weekend in Morgantown with 14 ceremonies over three days.

WHEN: May 12-14

WHO: As many as 4,500 spring graduates, President Gordon Gee, Provost Maryanne Reed, Chancellor Dr. Clay Marsh, other University officials

WHERE: WVU Coliseum and WVU Canady Creative Arts Center 

Friday, May 12 

Saturday, May 13 

Sunday, May 14 

HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENTS: Seven commencement speakers will receive honorary degrees. 

Scott Widmeyer, a Martinsburg native, WVU alumnus and founder of Widmeyer Communications, has provided strategic counsel to leading decision makers —  from presidents and governors to CEOs and college presidents — during his career. Widmeyer will address Reed College graduates on Friday.

Dr. Michael Apuzzo, one of the world’s best known and respected neurosurgeons, is a faculty member in the Department of Neurosurgery at both Yale Medical School and Weill/Cornell Medical College. Dr. Apuzzo will address School of Medicine MD, PhD and master’s graduates on Friday.

Carolyn Long, the immediate past president of WVU Institute of Technology, is an educator at heart. After starting her career as a teacher, Long went on to serve as superintendent for Braxton County Schools and chair of the WVU Board of Governors. Long will address graduates of the College of Applied Human Sciences on Saturday. 

Joel Newman, a WVU alumnus, has been a visionary leader in the field of food safety and enhanced sustainability of animal food production throughout his 48-year career. He recently retired as president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association. He will speak to Davis College graduates on Saturday. 

Richard Adams, a Parkersburg native and WVU alumnus, serves as executive chairman of the board for United Bankshares and United Bank, and is a member of the Bank Policy Institute and the World President’s Organization. He will address Chambers College graduates on Saturday. 

Diana Lewis Jackson, a Clarksburg native, is CEO of Action Facilities Management, a company based in Morgantown which specializes in integrated facilities solutions for federal agencies across the United States. She will address Chambers College graduates on Saturday. 

Noel Doheny, a WVU alumnus, has worked throughout his career as an executive in medical diagnostics, introducing novel medical testing devices and products to markets. He served as CEO of Epigenomics, Inc., the first company to develop a blood-based colorectal cancer screening method designed to increase screening participation. He will address Eberly College graduates on Sunday.

VENUE INFORMATION: Tickets are not required. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. The University’s Clear Bag Policy is in effect at both the Coliseum and Canady Creative Arts Center.

Find additional information

For those who cannot attend in person, each ceremony will be livestreamed with broadcasts beginning a few minutes prior to scheduled event starts. After the ceremonies, archive recordings will be available. 

Find links to watch the ceremonies.  

PARKING: For attendees, free ceremony parking is available at the Coliseum and the Canady Creative Arts Center with shuttle service. Limited handicap accessible parking is available at each venue. A valid ADA placard must be displayed. 

The PRT closes for the summer on Saturday, May 6, and will not be an option for transportation to and from Commencement Weekend ceremonies. 

ADDITIONAL EVENTS: As part of Commencement Weekend, the Army ROTC Mountaineer Battalion will conduct the annual Spring Commissioning Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, in the Mountainlair Ballrooms. (Editor's note: The start time for this ceremony was changed after the initial publication of this release.)

The Honors College will host two recognition ceremonies — the Foundations Recognition Ceremony from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, at the Canady Creative Arts Center, and the EXCEL and Laureate Breakfast from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 12, at the Morgantown Marriott. 

MEDIA NOTES: Media coverage is encouraged throughout Commencement Weekend. Reporters, videographers and photographers should identify themselves and show proper media credentials when arriving at each venue.

A designated media seating section will be available at the Coliseum near the Blue Gate. Media members covering ceremonies at the Canady Creative Arts Center will have access to open seating.

Limited parking for media members is at the Coliseum near the Country Roads Gate. 

-WVU- 

sj/05/04/23 

PREVIEW AND ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson 
Director of News Communications 
University Relations 
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu  

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