News Type: Campus

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  West Virginia Wesleyan College is welcoming back two accomplished music alumni to lead its marching and jazz programs. Eliza Taylor ‘19 will be Director of Athletic Bands, and Adam Loudin ‘07 will be Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Jazz Ensembles.

The hires come as the College has continued to put a strong emphasis on the arts. Including the incoming Class of 2029, WVWC has welcomed over 150 creative arts to campus in the last three classes. Later this month, WVWC will welcome high school students to the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts for the second summer in a row and will also host in 2026. The College has hosted GSA for two of the last three cycles. 

Taylor holds a Bachelor of Music Education from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and a Master of Music in flute performance with graduate certificates in instrumental conducting and music administration from The Ohio University School of Music. She is a member of Women Band Directors International, National Association for Music Education, West Virginia Music Educators Association, West Virginia Bandmasters, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity and Pi Kappa Lambda honor society for music.

A formidable director and conductor, Taylor has directed bands at the middle school and high school level in North Central West Virginia. Her ensembles have most frequently achieved Superior “I” ratings and have also premiered works at West Virginia ratings festivals. As a conductor, she is known for her expressive gestures and stylistic clarity. Eliza studied wind band conducting at Ohio University under Dr. William Talley. 

“I have a firm belief that a school’s marching band is the public face of the College as well as an ambassador for the entire community. I am honored to be returning to my Alma Mater to support their efforts and to grow a program that means so much to me.” 

Taylor is primarily a flutist, but is also an accomplished conductor, singer, pianist, and trombonist. Well-versed in classical, jazz, and Latin styles, she has performed and collaborated with a variety of individuals and ensembles. 

As a WVWC student, Taylor was a member during the inaugural years of the Bobcat Marching Band, Concert Band, WVWC Big Band, choral ensembles and jazz combos. She was also the lead vocalist and flutist for the Afro-Cuban Ensemble and the assistant director of the Flute Ensemble during her time as a student. She received the Outstanding Music Department Senior Award and the Academic and Leadership Achievement Award, graduating magna cum laude. Eliza also has experience as a church musician and chorister. 

Taylor has studied flute with Dr. Keith Hanlon, Linda Wolfersheim, and Alison Brown Sincoff. She and her husband, Seth Blake ‘17, a fellow music educator, call Elkins home. 

Loudin is a dedicated music educator, conductor and performer with over 15 years of experience inspiring young musicians in West Virginia and beyond. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education from WVWC and a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied trumpet with Joey Tartell and served as a graduate assistant to renowned jazz educator David Baker.

 Under his leadership at Robert L. Bland Middle School in Weston, both band and choir ensembles were repeatedly recognized as WVMEA State Middle School Honor Ensembles. His commitment to excellence in music education earned him the title of Teacher of the Year twice during his 15-year tenure in Lewis County. In 2016, Adam was honored with the West Virginia Wesleyan College Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Loudin said, “I am beyond thrilled to be joining the music faculty at WVWC.  The school, its professors, and its tradition of valuing the arts were integral to my development as a young jazz musician, and I consider the opportunity to become a part of the WVWC campus community as a professor a true honor and privilege.”

 In addition to his work in public education, Loudin served as artistic director of the Chanticleer Children’s Chorus of West Virginia in 2015. He also contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor at WVWC for over a decade, where he taught secondary music education methods, brass methods, and applied lessons. A sought-after clinician, Adam has conducted honor choirs and bands throughout the state.

 As a performer, Loudin has remained active in both jazz and classical music. He has played jazz extensively throughout West Virginia and surrounding states and spent more than 10 years as a member of the West Virginia Brass Quintet.

 In 2024, Loudin was honored nationally by School Band and Orchestra Plus (SBO+) magazine as one of the “50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference,” highlighting his significant contributions to music education. 

Loudin and his wife, Katie ‘07,—a fellow WVWC graduate, former Director of Community Engagement for WVWC, and current Director of Strategic Development for the WV Community Development Hub—live in Buckhannon with their two sons, Thomas and Elliot, who share their parents’ love for music.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  The West Virginia Wesleyan College Class of 2025 honored a faculty member who teaches some of the most difficult classes while fostering an environment where students can succeed.

Dr. Kelly Terhune ’03, MBA ‘05, Director and Assistant Professor for the Thomas Albinson School of Business, received the Distinguished Faculty Award from Senior Class President Zoë Casto during WVWC’s 134th Commencement.
“Thirty-five years ago, the WVWC Class of 1990 established an award to recognize a member of Wesleyan’s faculty for the quality of their contributions to the College and its students,” Casto said. “While she teaches some of the hardest classes, she takes the time to help students understand the concepts and creates an atmosphere to succeed.”

Terhune just completed her 18th year at WVWC. She earned her undergrade degree in mathematics and health promotion/fitness management and her MBA from WVWC before later pursuing a Masters in Economics from WVU in 2012.

“I have always taught Statistics for Business and Economics, but have also taught all but two economics courses through my 18 years here,” she said. “It is hard for me to identify my favorite classes to teach, but I can say  I like to teach mathy things and microeconomic things, but at the end of the day I really just love teaching.”

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen by the senior class to receive this award, although I am shocked that I won.   I teach classes that challenge most students, but I try to be very available to them so they can ask questions.  At the end of the day, I am glad they recognize this and I hope they know how much I truly appreciate the recognition!”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Join the West Virginia Wesleyan College Planetarium for a series of monthly shows that take attendees on a journey through space and a tour of the night sky from campus afterwards.

The first show will be  Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m. with “Messengers of Time and Space” about using various telescopes to track astronomical events, such as star explosions and collisions, over short periods of time like hours and days.

After the video, attendees will take a tour of the night sky. The show will last about 1 hour with telescope observing of the moon and Mars afterwards, weather permitting.

The planetarium is on the second floor of Christopher Hall.  Seating is first-come, first-serve.  Doors open a half hour before the show.  Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, and free for those under 18.  The ticket sales for the public shows go entirely towards facility maintenance and video costs to provide free shows for school and kids’ groups.

The planetarium will open for public shows at 8 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.  Saturday, July 5 will be Einstein’s Gravity Playlist and Saturday, Aug. 2 will be Max Goes to the Moon.

The 40-seat Planetarium was a key part of the design of the Christopher Hall of Science and was completed in December 1968. Originally, it had a state-of-the-art Spitz A3P prime projector and was intended for both teaching and public shows.  

“In the fall of 2017, with a generous donation from the Naylor Family Trust Fund, we upgraded to a fully digital projection system that now allows us to fly up close to planets and display beautiful images of deep sky objects,” said Dr. Tracey DeLaney, associate professor and WVWC Planetarium director. “Of llate we have only been using the planetarium for teaching and school shows, but we are now excited to finally reopen for public shows.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Join the West Virginia Wesleyan College Planetarium for a series of monthly shows that take attendees on a journey through space and a tour of the night sky from campus afterwards.

The first show will be  Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m. with “Messengers of Time and Space” about using various telescopes to track astronomical events, such as star explosions and collisions, over short periods of time like hours and days.

After the video, attendees will take a tour of the night sky. The show will last about 1 hour with telescope observing of the moon and Mars afterwards, weather permitting.

The planetarium is on the second floor of Christopher Hall.  Seating is first-come, first-serve.  Doors open a half hour before the show.  Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, and free for those under 18.  The ticket sales for the public shows go entirely towards facility maintenance and video costs to provide free shows for school and kids’ groups.

The planetarium will open for public shows at 8 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.  Saturday, July 5 will be Einstein’s Gravity Playlist and Saturday, Aug. 2 will be Max Goes to the Moon.

The 40-seat Planetarium was a key part of the design of the Christopher Hall of Science and was completed in December 1968. Originally, it had a state-of-the-art Spitz A3P prime projector and was intended for both teaching and public shows.  

“In the fall of 2017, with a generous donation from the Naylor Family Trust Fund, we upgraded to a fully digital projection system that now allows us to fly up close to planets and display beautiful images of deep sky objects,” said Dr. Tracey DeLaney, associate professor and WVWC Planetarium director. “Of llate we have only been using the planetarium for teaching and school shows, but we are now excited to finally reopen for public shows.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College has named Davin L. Seamon as General Counsel and Administrator for Strategic Initiatives.

“We are so excited that Davin has agreed to join our team at WVWC,” President James Moore said. “His experience in a variety of areas of legal practice, coupled with his deep connections to our broader community, make him the ideal person to lead our legal affairs efforts.”

A graduate of The George Washington University Law School, Seamon brings over 25 years of broad yet sophisticated experience in the legal field, including 19 years in the Business Department of Steptoe & Johnson PLLC in Bridgeport. Since leaving Steptoe & Johnson PLLC to found his own solo business practice, Ivory Legal PLLC, Seamon has served as a trusted legal advisor for a variety of clients in the higher education, medical, logistics and fulfillment industries, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, and technology-focused contract negotiations. 

Seamon attended West Virginia University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia  – For gifted students in grades 5-12, the Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program is an experience they will never forget. The only program of its kind in the state, this STEM program provides gifted students with the academic and social stimulation they need.

 Since its inception in 1983, the program has been held on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia.  The program offers advanced classes in physics, math, computer programming, environmental science, creative arts, and creative writing. These classes are all taught by college professors who delight in working with these young, gifted students.

Campers room in a dormitory, eat together in the cafeteria, attend classes, and are given the chance to participate in fun, exciting activities every day. These students are supervised by college-age counselors who serve as guides and mentors. Many participants have such a great time they return year after year. Some even go on to become counselors at the camp or students at Wesleyan.

Besides academics, the program offers the college’s extensive facilities for the students to use – swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, a walking trail, the library, music practice rooms, and outdoor rec equipment. Activities include movies, a planetarium show, guest speakers, games, and a talent show on the last night.  On the weekend they go downtown to experience a Festival Friday and visit local shops.

The program is directed by Dr. Tracey DeLaney, professor of physics at WVWC. “This program is a boon to kids who never really felt like they fit in anywhere,” says Dr. DeLaney. “We are proud to be able to support these students academically and provide them with the opportunity to be around others with similar abilities.”

To be eligible for the program, students in rising grades 5-12 must be identified as gifted through their school or through testing. This summer’s program runs from June 15 to 28 and is limited to 50 students. The program will be taking enrollments through June 7. 

Interested parents, students, or teachers can view our offerings, learn about the professors and courses, and enroll online at http://www.wvwc.edu/summergifted. For more information you can call Tracey DeLaney at 304-473-8330 or email us at sgp@wvwc.edu.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – The West Virginia Wesleyan College Student Senate recognized a faculty and staff member who each go above and beyond in their respective roles.

Assistant Professor Dr. Alexis de Coning, a member of the Communications Department, is the student-elected Faculty Member of the Year. De Coning is known for her caring nature and vibrant, bubbly personality. She always puts students first, both in the classroom and through dedicated academic advising. Going above and beyond, De Coning teaches in First Year Experience, honors and throughout the Communications Department. In addition to teaching, De Coning serves on numerous faculty and senate committees and was recently in a production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by the Department of Theatre and Dance. 

De Coning has been teaching at WVWC for three years.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my students,” she said. “My teaching philosophy has always been one of community and collaboration with students, and I love learning alongside my students. Receiving this award is acknowledgement that our shared efforts to build a meaningful learning environment have made an impact.”

Amy Rogosky, laboratory manager in biology, is the student-elected Staff Member of the Year, who is always known for greeting others with a warm smile. Rogosky’s genuine care and outreach are truly felt by the students in the biology department. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that every student receives individual attention, whether in the lab or while serving as an adjunct in the classroom. Students and colleagues deeply appreciate Rogosky’s wit, wisdom and unwavering dedication.

She has been employed at WVWC for 13 years. 

“I am honored to receive this award,” Rogowsky said. “The fact that it is a student-elected award makes it even more meaningful.  The best parts of my day involve students – from encouraging them to discover the fascinating processes of life in the classroom to the memorable moments created while sharing chocolates and chatting about life in my office.  Wesleyan has the best students, and I am thankful that I can play a small part in their Wesleyan experience.”

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Five West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates who have succeeded in making an impact on campus, in the community and beyond were recognized as Outstanding Seniors during the recent Academic and Leadership Awards Ceremony.

Nominated by faculty and staff, these seniors were chosen for academic performance, with a 3.8 grade point average or above, and significant leadership in a variety of academic and co-curricular activities. These superior seniors, who best exemplify the high ideals of student involvement and contribution to campus life, have shown an uncommon commitment to academic excellence, participation in campus life, and service to the College.

Katie Morgan ‘25, of Monongah, West Virginia, is a psychology major with a religious studies minor. As a student leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, she fostered faith-based connections on campus, mentored peers, and created a welcoming environment for spiritual growth. Her passion for restorative justice led her to an internship at the Center for Restorative Justice, where she has contributed to efforts that promote healing and rehabilitation.  She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Center for Community Engagement WE LEAD Human Rights and Youth Empowerment teams. Morgan will be pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Zeinah Abdelsalam ‘25, came to WVWC from Egypt via Dubai. A double major in economics and political science, Abdelsalam was a four-year member of the Women’s Swim Team and served as Captain, President of International Student Organization, Vice President of Student Senate, member of the WE LEAD Poverty Reduction Team,  a member of the Student Conduct Board, served as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Formal Sub-Committee Chair, served on the Economics Department Search Committee, served on student senate committees for Renovations, Academic Calendar, and Food,  and served as an intern for the Center for Restorative Justice. Additionally, she interned in Public Relations for Orion Strategies, served as an Economics tutor, served as a teaching assistant, and gave lots of swim lessons to local youth. She has been accepted to Georgetown University in their Master of Science in Foreign Service Program.  

Danica Propst ‘25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, is a three-year member of the Service Scholar Program and served as a Site Leader, the Student Senate-Awards & Elections Chairperson for two terms, the Alpha Delta Pi-Vice President of Operations & Greek Week Chair, the Lambda Pi Eta-Vice President, The Pharos Campus Newspaper-Editor-in-Chief, the Delight Ministries-Community Service Coordinator & Book Coordinator, a Communication Department Tutor, a Writing Center Employee, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and a Law Intern at Klie Law Offices.  She has also served as a Youth Development Professional for the Boys and Girls Club of America, a Communication and Marketing intern at Trump’s Salon in Buckhannon, and a Summer SOLE Program assistant teacher. Propst graduated in three years and will be attending Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law, pursuing her dream of becoming a lawyer. 

Sadie Nichols ‘25 is a biochemistry major from Sistersville, West Virginia.  She is a McCuskey Fellowship recipient and has served as a four-year service scholar with her service site as Tennerton Elementary.  She served two terms as the Student Senate President, which afforded her the opportunity to be a voting member of the College’s Board of Trustees. She is a member of Concert Chorale, Gamma Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Lambda Delta, TriBeta Biology Honor Society, and the Benzene Ring Chemistry Club.  She is a work-study for the chemistry department, and served as an intern for Children’s HopeChest and traveled to Uganda with that project. She was also able to travel to Vietnam to study Vietnamese medicine and the Vietnamese language in a six-week summer program.

Nichols will be attending Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a graduate student in their Entry-Level Doctor in Occupational Therapy program. Her ultimate goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist.  

Kaef Rehman, ‘25, of Daniels, West Virginia, is a biology major with a chemistry minor from Daniels, West Virginia.  He entered Wesleyan in the GO D.O. Early Scholars program with his dreams to be a physician and he has never looked back! He has been a 4-year Service Scholar,  held several leadership positions in the Theta Chi Fraternity, been a member of the WE LEAD Invisible Illness team, Bobcat Entertainment, Tri-Beta Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. He has also served as a Chemistry teaching assistant and a summer research intern in the WV INBRE program. As a part of the Children’s HopeChest program, Rehman was also able to travel to Uganda to experience the benefits of this outreach program.

He will attend the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine to fulfill his dream of becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. 

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – Nearly 200 West Virginia Wesleyan College graduates walked in the 134th Commencement held in Wesley Chapel Saturday representing 39 bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s programs and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) gave the commencement address and was presented the prestigious Rhododendron Award by Dr. James Moore, the College’s 20th President.

Capito encouraged participants to make the most of their experiences and to look up and be present in the moment versus spending so much time on their cell phones. 

“Go out, explore, but remember to look up,” Capito said. “When the time comes, just know that these country roads will welcome you home.”

“I encourage you to build a life here in West Virginia. No matter where you come from, no matter where your personal history is, you are all West Virginians now. I hope you will love the state and have come to love the state like we all do.” 

U.S. Senator Capito was presented with West Virginia Wesleyan College’s Rhododendron Award, a prestigious recognition provided by the College to individuals who have brought distinction and honor to their state or have offered exemplary acts of leadership on behalf of the College. Capito is only the 16th individual to receive the Rhododendron Award since its inception in 1967.

President James Moore said, “On behalf of the graduating class, faculty, staff and the entire West Virginia Wesleyan College Community, we extend our gratitude to Senator Capito for joining with us to celebrate our graduates and providing the 134th Commencement Address. Her words of encouragement, hope and resiliency are inspirational and have made this commencement truely memorable. We appreciate the Senator’s friendship, her service to our state, the nation and her continued support of higher education.”  

WVWC Senior Class President Zoe Casto ‘25 announced that more than $2,000 had been raised for the senior class gift, adding to security cameras on campus

This year’s participants in commencement represented 22 states and eight countries. Fifty-nine percent of participants call the Mountain State home and hail from 34 different counties. Thirty percent received the West Virginia PROMISE scholarship and 17% are First Generation college students. Thirty-two percent participated on an NCAA athletic team. WVWC competes in the Mountain East Conference.

The most popular undergraduate degrees among the degrees conferred Saturday are nursing, business administration, biology, psychology and criminal justice.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – West Virginia Wesleyan College is preparing for commencement exercises to be held on the Wesley Chapel oval this year. 

Commencement will be held Saturday, May 10 beginning at 10 a.m. this year recognizing nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate students. A livestream link is available at https://www.wvwc.edu/livestream-events/

A number of activities have been planned leading up to commencement this week. Grad Fest will kick off at 5 p.m. at the 88 Pavilion on Wednesday, May 7.

On Thursday, May 8, graduates get a final opportunity to win big at the Last Chance Big Bingo at 8 p.m. in the French A. See Dining Center. Prizes will be themed around items that will be needed for graduates to establish their new homes and careers. 

On Friday, May 9, Alderson Broaddus University transfer students will be recognized in the morning with a special reception at 11 a.m. in the Greek Alumni Room.

Nursing Convocation is slated for 1 p.m. in Wesley Chapel with a reception to follow in the French A. See Dining Hall Side Dining Rooms at 2 p.m.

The School of Education Reception will take place at 3 p.m. in the Greek Alumni Room.

Several organizations are participating in a Celebration of Achievement and Cording Ceremony at 4 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. 

The Baccalaureate Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. in Wesley Chapel. 

Following the ceremony, President James Moore invites graduates and their families to a Senior Send-Off at the 88 Pavilion beginning at 8:15 p.m.

For more information, visit www.wvwc.edu/commencement-2025/

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan as one of its 2025 Best Colleges in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan ninth in Best Value – Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and clinical mental health counseling; 20 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.