WVU Parkersburg hosted its Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony on December 13, 2025, honoring the achievements of 423 graduates who completed their academic programs during the fall semester. The event featured keynote speaker United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito, who addressed the graduates and their families, emphasizing the importance of service and leadership.
Reflections on Perseverance and Opportunity
In her welcoming remarks, Trista Scarberry, president of WVU Parkersburg’s Student Government Association, acknowledged the students’ perseverance and personal growth throughout their time at the institution. She encouraged graduates to embrace their accomplishments as a testament to their strength and dedication. “While a degree is a milestone, it represents the relationships you have built along the way,” Scarberry stated, concluding with a quote from her parents: “Shoot for the moon, and if you fall short, you’ll still be a shining star.”
During her address, Senator Capito urged graduates to “look up” at the opportunities before them and to remember the values of their home state. She commended the sacrifices made by military personnel, healthcare workers, and everyday citizens, highlighting the role of gratitude in their future endeavors. Capito invited the graduates to carry their talents and innovations into the world while staying connected to the community of West Virginia.
Celebrating Academic Achievements
WVU Parkersburg President Dr. Torie Jackson congratulated the graduates on their achievements and emphasized the significance of relationships in shaping their futures. “Degrees open doors, but relationships build futures,” Jackson remarked, reminding students that their true impact will be defined by the connections they forge moving forward. “Your legacy will be measured by the people whose lives are different because you were in them.”
The ceremony recognized a total of 467 degrees and certificates awarded to students who completed their programs in August and December 2025. Of the graduates, 137 participated in the commencement ceremony, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.
For those unable to attend, the full Fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be available for viewing online at youtube.com/wvuparkersburg. To learn more about WVU Parkersburg’s programs and opportunities, interested individuals can visit wvup.edu.
Established in 1961, WVU Parkersburg serves as a vital educational institution, offering over 40 degree programs, workforce development initiatives, and community education classes. Notably, it is the only community and technical college in West Virginia that provides bachelor’s degrees and is home to WPKM 96.3 FM, the first community college radio station in the state.
