MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will hold commencement this weekend (Dec. 21) in the Coliseum.
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director of University Events Kelly Flanagan said the in-person crowds have grown post-pandemic to the point the ceremonies need to be spaced out to accommodate traffic. The PRT will be closed.
“Last year we had our ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and this year we backed it up to 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.,” Flanagan said. “Just to allow a little more time between ceremonies to transfer over the parking lot and let everyone from the morning group make their way out so the afternoon group can get in.”
During the 9 a.m. ceremony, Hoppy Kercheval and David Riggle will receive Presidential Honorary Degrees. Kercheval is an award-winning broadcaster, and a two-time WVU graduate. Riggle is a special education teacher in Tyler County. During the 2 p.m. ceremony, Nitin “Nick” Kumbhani will be awarded a Presidential Honorary Degree for his work as a leading executive in software development and investment management.
“We have just over 1,200 graduates registered to walk this weekend in two ceremonies—one at 9 a.m. and another at 2 p.m.,” Flanagan said.
Executive Director Office of Student Enrichment, Sabrina Cave, said they have a network of support for non-traditional students that includes child care. The university helps students in every semester with a variety of student support services, some federally funded.
“Go to class, have their study projects, have their study groups, take their finals, and know their child is in quality daycare while they are pursuing their educational aspirations,” Cave said.
The support offered by the university prevents students from delaying or putting off decisions about educational attainment. Empowering the non-traditional student with tools to make completing a degree a little easier will improve that family and set the stage for others to pursue a college degree.
“When they look in those little faces and they realize what they’re doing is to be able to provide a better life for themselves and their family and to teach their children they can do this too,” Cave said. “It does make a profound impact on that family dynamic.”
Noting that December commencement will fall on a weekend, many are completing last-minute Christmas shopping. Flanagan advised residents to expect a large volume of traffic in addition to any extra holiday-related traffic.
“Graduation is a little later this year than it sometimes is because of the holidays, so that might affect things a little bit,” Flanagan said.