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West Liberty University Provost Cathy Monteroso, left, and President Tim Borchers, right, present a gift to Mickey Marotti, who served as commencement speaker Saturday. (Photo Provided)

WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University awarded degrees to 363 graduates at its Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 4. Featured speakers included alum Mickey Marotti and student speaker Ishika Agarwal. President Tim Borchers presided over the ceremony, held at the University’s Academic, Sport, and Recreation Complex (ASRC).

“Hard work takes zero talent,” Marotti, the Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance at Ohio State University told the graduates. “Be a grinder. Nothing in this world is given–you have to earn it. You are ready for this next chapter in your life. West Liberty has prepared you. Now get back on that Route 88. Enjoy the ride.”

Marotti was also awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters by the University in recognition of his success as leader in the field of sports performance.

Agarwal, a graduate of the Gary E. West College of Business, told the her classmates, “Class of 2024, remember we are always Toppers. No matter where life takes us, we will face challenges with the same grit and determination that brought us here today. So, let’s go out there and conquer the world together.”

For many of the graduates, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans for a high school graduation and so this ceremony was a chance for them to celebrate their academic achievement.

Also speaking at the ceremony was David McKinley, chair of the West Liberty University Board of Governors, and Peggy Howell, representing Alumni Affairs.

Students with the highest GPA in each respective college received the honor of carrying the college banner into the ceremony and leading the graduates from their college. These included:

– Graduate Studies – Lexie Ann Mullen

– College of Sciences — Lara Fetty, Shelby Cheyenne Simonton, Hailey Taylor

– Gary E. West College of Business– Mark Donnelly, Anthony Ferch II, Abbe Stackpole

– College of Education and Human Performance — Emily Anderson, Riley Rouse

– College of Liberal and Creative Arts — Chase Avery Ake

The University Concert Band, under the direction of Professor Dr. Alvin Simpson performed both the processional and recessional music. The Star-Spangled Banner was performed by Music Education graduate Charlotte Dotson and the Alma Mater was sung by Music Education graduate Alexis Scott.

The ceremony may be viewed at Topperstation.com.