As the sun brightened the skies of Morgantown Friday afternoon, the soon-to-be graduates of West Virginia University’s College of Create Arts could be seen posing for pictures with family and friends outside of the Canady Creative Arts Center (CAC).
Donned in blue or gold caps and gowns, more than 100 graduates also wore smiles of excitement and relief as they reminisced of their time at WVU.
“I’m super excited,” said graduate Katie Martin, who was preparing to receive her degree in voice performance.
“It was a long one, but it was worth it. It was really exciting. I’ve had a lot of chances to perform and work as a soloist and mass works and be in operas and lead roles – it’s been pretty great,” she said.
Martin said she is hoping to continue on the path of higher learning by attending grad school after graduation, but will first be focused on her upcoming wedding.
While the journey was long, Martin said, “It’s definitely worth it – this moment right here that is about to happen – I’m ecstatic.”
Inside the Lyell B. Clay Theatre, H. Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean of the College of Creative Arts, acknowledged the grads that persevered through the pandemic and the unusual path they had to take as the world came to a standstill just as they were likely finding their rhythm at college.
Despite the interruption to their education, the students pushed forward, learning what they could bring to the table.
“That fact that you are pursuing a life connected to the arts proves that you are already aware of your purpose. In fact, your biggest challenge will not be finding your purpose, but staying true to your purpose.”
Jackson hoped the graduates had learned to take nothing for granted and offered advice to “take no one for granted … we’ve all lost people over the past few years so savor the special moments.”
Three graduates, Christian James Rhen from the School of Music, Kaylea Egnor from the School of Theater and Dance, and Rebekah Gooding from the School of Art and Design, were recognized as Outstanding Graduates in their respective programs.
Gooding received the honor of being named the Outstanding College Graduate for the entire College of Creative Arts.
Key-note speaker John Hendricks III, a WVU graduate and 30-year faculty member, was described by Jackson as the “model of a mountaineer.”
“He is a son of the state and a two-time graduate of the College of Creative Arts,” Jackson said, noting Hendricks has served as a graduate assistant, professor, associate director and associate dean at the college.
“He is a model of character and integrity,” Jackson said. “A true O.G. and the G.O.A.T.”
Hendricks, who is set to retire soon, said despite the 40 years separating his graduation from Friday’s, he and the new grads will have a couple things in common – “our diplomas have the same WVU president’s name,” he said glancing back at President Gordon Gee with a smile.
More importantly, they are also all Mountaineers, Hendricks said.
“That term is very special because it identifies us not only as graduates of this institution, but also connects us to this wonderful state.”
Hendricks spoke of the trademark mountains of West Virginia that have inspired creative minds in books and poetry, painting, photography and music.
“For the past several years, you have been climbing your own mountain to fulfill your dream and today you have reached the summit by fulfilling the requirements for your degree,” he said.
As the new alumni leave WVU to face new mountains, Henricks assured them they “will sometimes slip and fall, because stumbles and falls are part of life.” But he also reminded students that regardless of how low in the valley they find themselves, they are never alone.
“Whether it is family, friends, or even former instructors and staff here at WVU, you can rest assured that we are here to support you through your journey. Always feel free to reach out and ask for help.”
As an appropriate conclusion to his address, Henricks quoted lyrics from the Sound of Music.
“Climb every mountain, search high and low, follow every highway, every path you know. Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow, ‘till you find your dream.”
