Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – More than 230 students will graduate from West Virginia State University (WVSU) on Saturday, May 17, during the first commencement ceremony to take place in the new D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center.
With more than 2,000-seats, the expanded seating available at the new Walker Convocation Center means, unlike recent years, there will be one ceremony to mark the graduation of students from WVSU’s four colleges. Commencement will begin at 10 a.m.
“These students have worked diligently with our talented faculty to gain the knowledge and understanding necessary to earn their degrees and to be called ‘college graduates.’ I am truly proud of them,” said WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill. “This commencement will be special because the State family will join together to not only celebrate the success of our newest West Virginia State University alumni, but to showcase the University’s passion for higher learning in our new world-class Walker Convocation Center.”
Dr. Bruce Berry, Chair of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC), will provide the keynote address for commencement. HEPC is the organization that develops and oversees a public policy agenda for West Virginia’s four-year colleges and universities.
Dr. Berry recently retired as the medical director at Colombo & Stuhr, P.L.L.C. where he oversaw risk management and quality assurance. For nearly 30 years, Dr. Berry practiced medicine at a private practice in Charleston. Dr. Berry also served as a clinical instructor, clinical assistant professor and clinical associate professor at West Virginia University’s School of Medicine campus at the Charleston Area Medical Center.
In addition, Dr. Berry has served as a clinical associate professor with the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Berry graduated with an A.B. in biology, M.S. in embryology and a M.D. from West Virginia University.
WVSU holds commencement ceremonies in December and May of each year.
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