Photo Provided Trista Scarberry, president of the WVU Parkersburg Student Government Association, welcomes graduates and guests on Saturday at the Fall 2025 Commencement.

PARKERSBURG — Fall commencement was held Saturday at WVU Parkersburg where a U.S. senator from West Virginia was among the speakers.

Commencement exercises recognized 423 graduates with 467 associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and certificates awarded to students who completed their programs between August and December. Participating in the commencement were 137 graduates.

Trista Scarberry, president of WVU Parkersburg’s Student Government Association, welcomed graduates and guests and reflected on the student experience.

She encouraged graduates to recognize their perseverance, life skills and personal growth during their time at WVU Parkersburg, reminding them that while a degree is a milestone, it also represents their strength, dedication and the relationships they have built.

“Shoot for the moon, and if you fall short, you’ll still be a shining star,” she said.

Photo Provided From left, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia receives a basket filled with goods from West Virginia manufacturers, including Mister Bee potato chips, from WVU Parkersburg President Torie Jackson. The college’s Fall 2025 Commencement was held on Saturday.

Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg, congratulated graduates and reminded them their degrees represent hard work and determination, but the impact will be defined by the relationships they build moving forward.

“Degrees open doors, but relationships build futures,” Jackson said. “Your legacy will be measured by the people whose lives are different because you were in them.”

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a member of the Republican leadership in the Senate, spoke about the importance of service, leadership and gratitude, citing the sacrifices of military members, health care workers and everyday citizens.

Capito urged graduates to take their talents, innovation and expertise into the world while remembering the values and community of West Virginia.

Photo Provided A son cheers his mother during the Fall 2025 Commencement Saturday at WVU Parkersburg.

Photo Provided Students participated Saturday in the Fall 2025 Commencement at WVU Parkersburg where they celebrated the completion of their academic programs.

Photo Provided U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito speaks Saturday during the WVU Parkersburg Fall 2025 Commencement.