From left to right: Steve Hardman, WVUP Board of Governors chair; Christie Willis, Wood County Schools Superintendent; and Dr. Torie Jackson, WVUP interim president. Willis is awarded the WVUP Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in serving as the Fall 2022 Commencement speaker. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) held its annual fall commencement ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m., in its College Activities Center. Christie Willis, WVU Parkersburg alumna and Wood County Schools superintendent, served as the keynote speaker.

A press release from WVUP says Willis reminded the Fall 2022 class of graduates that there are many opportunities available to them, but to always use their positions in life to elevate others. The release also says she emphasized that it is only when people follow their passions that they become successful.

“And when you follow your passion, the possibilities are endless,” Willis is quoted in the release as saying. “If you believe in what you’re doing, enjoying your work and finding purpose in your career, you will never work a day in your life.”

The release says she continued with, “Work for something that is worth something. When you dedicate your life’s work to improving the lives of others, there will be personal fulfillment, and you will be successful.”

Willis earned her Bachelor of Arts from WVUP in 1998 and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from WVU in 2005.

From left to right: Dr. Torie Jackson, WVUP interim president and Jared Smith, WVUPgraduate. Smith, a veteran of the United States Army Reserves, receives his Regents Bachelor of Arts with Magna Cum Laude honors. (Photo Provided)

WVUP Interim President Dr. Torie Jackson also encouraged the graduating class, asking them to always think outside the box and make plans for transformative rewards, said the release.

“We can tell you big dreams are welcome here, so continue to dream big,” Jackson is quoted in the release as saying. “Think of new and innovative ways to do things and don’t jump back into the box just because of the comfort it provides. Today, you show perseverance, and we all share that success with you.”

Over 120 graduates crossed the stage, with 321 students earning certificate, associate and bachelor’s degrees, pending final grades, said the release.

You can view the Fall 2022 commencement ceremony at: youtube.com/wvuparkersburg.