MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Wearing one of his signature bow ties, on a stage in front of a non-existent audience, WVU President Gordon Gee practiced his address to the class of 2015.
Like his regular Gee Mail blasts sent out over the semester, the president mixed humor and wit with words of advice encouraging graduates to work hard and find their individual ways. The practice speech on the stage at the Creative Arts Center is the last video Gee will send to students this semester.
“I cannot blame you if you’re focused on the excitement of this moment instead of the words overflowing from my cauldron of wisdom,” delivered Gee. “Maybe excited is not quite the right word. Perhaps you’re scared out of your wits.”
More than 4,500 West Virginia University students will graduate commencement weekend. Ceremonies are scheduled for May 15 – 17.
“You march on from this day as a proud Mountaineer. You will begin to unravel purpose,” practiced Gee. “You will chip away at ambiguity. You will design a fruitful life.”
Eighteen events are scheduled to recognize graduates from individual colleges and schools.
Gee said his goal is not to pressure Mountaineers into a specific path of success, but to create successes from their strengths.
“Life is about finding your way. It’s your turn to find yours as a matter of fact. I am not here today to give you a map from point a to point b.,” encouraged Gee. “No, instead I want you to rip apart that map and head out into the world with unlimited hopes and dreams. Just follow a few simple rules and you will prosper.”