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WVU-P holds fall commencement

PARKERSBURG — For new graduates at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, the next chapter in their lives began at the annual fall commencement Saturday.

This semester, WVU-P planned to award 261 certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees to 241 students. More than 120 students participated in the graduation ceremony on Saturday.

Commencement speaker at the ceremony was Robert Boone, president of the Bernard P. McDonough Foundation and a 1977 graduate of WVU-P.

Boone said Saturday’s graduates are part of the next generation of leaders who will have the opportunity to positively impact the country and the communities in which they will choose to live and work.

“The Bernard P. McDonough Foundation was started along those lines – to improve communities in West Virginia,” he said. “Our organization strives to find creative ways to achieve our goal by supporting non-profits across the state.”

Boone said the foundation funds a number of programs to promote education and also supports two state-wide food banks among other agencies to aid those in need in a number of ways.

“Many of the organizations we fund bring to mind the sorrow for all the people who need services, and at the same time lessons for all the services we provide to assist with our funding,” he said. “My message to you is to live a healthy life, stay drug free and put your hand out for someone less fortunate than you.”

Boone said graduates need to seek out opportunities to make a difference in their communities.

“Some of you were not born when John F. Kennedy, our 35th President of the United States was in office, made the challenge in his inaugural address when he said ‘ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’

“He also said leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

Boone said the graduates will define their values and core principles as they go through life.

“You may be faced with making decisions based on values, even if they go against standard viewpoints,” he said. “My example is I had to make a decision on my career about keeping a job with a company I was with for 16 years.

“After many hours and days of prayer. I chose to leave my employment and move my family back to Parkersburg from Arizona. I was unemployed at the time but have been blessed since making that decision. It was the right decision for my family.”

Boone said the decision was sticking to his core values and doing that influenced his career.

“It allows me to stand in front of you today,” he said. “Be grounded in your values and your morality as it will guide you through your life. What you do from this point forward will determine your success in life and the success of the people around you.

“You must decide now whether you want to be a follower or leader.”

As followers, he said, they would have to accept conditions handed to them but if they choose to be a leader “you will be able to shape your future.”

“One important aspect of leadership is community involvement and civic engagement,” he said. “Of course, you can be a leader at your job and help mold and influence your organization’s direction and impact.”

Boone said being involved in community and striving to make a difference in lives others “is the mark of a responsible society.”

“There are many ways you get involved and make a positive impact,” he said. “I encourage each of you to follow dreams and at the same time look for ways to give back to the lives of others.”

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