News Type: Campus

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.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia – With the launch of the state’s first Certificate in Addiction Counseling,  West Virginia Wesleyan College has now hired a program coordinator who brings extensive education, background and knowledge in addiction certifications and clinical services.

Jon Dower, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, completed a Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from West Virginia University. Mr. Dower is a Licensed Professional Counselor in West Virginia and holds several addiction-related certifications, including advanced alcohol and drug counselor, clinical supervisor, substance abuse professional, and intervention professional. Jon is the Executive Director for WVSL Solutions, a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides recovery housing across West Virginia, peer recovery support services, supportive employment, and clinical services as a licensed behavioral health organization.

At the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dower has taught in academic settings, including with the College of Applied Human Sciences at West Virginia University. He serves on several SUD-related boards of directors, including the WV First Foundation, and is the West Virginia Association of Addiction and Prevention Professionals (WVAAPP) president.

Dr. Jen Randall Reyes, Director of the School of Counseling and Psychology, said, “We are thrilled to have Jon join our team! His expertise in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorders will support us in the creation of exceptional programming for behavioral healthcare practitioners. The fact that Jon also understands the multifaceted nature of addiction counseling work made him the ideal candidate for this role. We are in total alignment on creating a program that brings the tradition of servant leadership which Wesleyan has cultivated for 135 years into the realm of addiction work. I am grateful to Drs. Lynn Linder, Provost, and Chris Schimmel, Associate Provost, for supporting this vital next step in our Counseling Program’s growth.”

Dower added, “I am a third-generation West Virginian who has witnessed the impact of addiction across our state. From a public health and economic perspective, addiction touches all West Virginians. Joining an institution with deep historical roots and traditions willing to meet our state’s needs is an honor, a privilege, and, quite frankly, a no-brainer. Wesleyan is leading the way by bringing a program unlike any other in the state, a state impacted by substance use at higher rates than anywhere else in the country. My goal with this program is simple: create a legacy of well-trained clinicians preventing and treating substance-related issues, ensuring a better West Virginia. If someone has a heart attack, we send them to a cardiologist, not a podiatrist. If your loved one is experiencing substance use disorder in West Virginia, I want them sent to the best treatment providers possible. Wesleyan is creating that opportunity due to the incredible leadership of President Moore. This program will change lives and our state for the better. Is there a better purpose in life than that?”

To learn more about the Certificate in Addiction Counseling, visit https://www.wvwc.edu/counseling-program/ 

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  As the semester winds down, West Virginia Wesleyan College will host a variety of events next week culminating with Spring Weekend. 

The Bobcat football team will host its Spring Game Wednesday, April 23 under the lights.  Come out and cheer on the offense or defense, or both in the annual Orange and Black Game at Cebe Ross Field. Admission is free. 

Also on Wednesday, WVWC Concert Band will perform a free concert in the Virginia Thomas Law Performing Arts Center. at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, April 24, the women’s lacrosse team will take on the University of Charleston at home at 7 p.m. on the Cebe Ross Field. 

The WVWC Concert Chorale and Concentus Vocum will also perform a free concert in Wesley Chapel from 7-8 p.m. on Friday, April 25. 

On Saturday, April 26, join the Office of Development and Alumni Relations for a Young Alumni Reunion at Jimbo’s in downtown Buckhannon, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Fried appetizers will be provided. 

Or choose to head to the PAC for Danceworks at 2 p.m. spotlighting students from department dance classes and dance minors. 

Want to take in a baseball game? WVWC will play a double header at home at 1 and 3:30 p.m. against Glenville State University on both Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, April 26, the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be inducted including  Rayner Balciunas ‘03, Robert Hardin ‘01, Narayana Hall Hines ‘95, Eric Myers ‘97, Dr. Summer Finnigan ‘98 and the 2003 WVIAC Football Championship Team beginning at 3:45 p.m. in the French See Dining Hall. Ticket sales are closed for this event. 

Due to a late Easter break this year, sororities and fraternities competitions were spread out over a three-week period versus the traditional Greek Week. On Saturday, April 26  at 7:30 p.m., Spring Sing Royalty will be crowned in Wesley Chapel followed by a country-themed Spring Sing. 

On Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. West Virginia Wesleyan’s Awards and Leadership Convocation will take place in Wesley Chapel highlighting the hard work of our students in academics and co-curricular programming.

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 Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) conducted its 61st annual induction on March 27, 2024, in the Meditation Chapel.  The circle inducted four graduate students, four seniors, four juniors, 10 sophomores, two staff members, and two faculty.

The Wesleyan Circle of ODK was established in 1963 and has inducted over 1,100 students, faculty and staff.  Student eligibility is based on the top 35 percent of each class in scholarship, as well as participation in one of the following:  athletics, music, arts, journalism and community service.

Newly inducted members include:  Graduate students, Laura Adams, South Charleston, West Virginia; Johnnie-Jo Hovis, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Judith Rose, Morgantown, West Virginia; and Ann Marie Whitehair, Grafton, West Virginia.  Seniors included Samantha Carlin, Sarasota, Florida; Zoe Casto, Fairmont, West Virginia; Kadie Dunham, Grafton, West Virginia; and Megan Pritt, Mt. Nebo, West Virginia.  Juniors included Savannah Herrod, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Edward Marks, Wellsburg, West Virginia; Sydney Vilain, Clarksburg, West Virginia; Carly Rae Wolfgang, Leesburg, Virginia.  Sophomores inducted included Madelyn Armstrong, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Cullen Cairns, Riverview FL; Tobias Fleece, Bridgeport, West Virginia; Laura Gatewood, Huntington, West Virginia; Kostadena Hartley, Buckhannon, West Virginia; Leah Ireland, Maitland, Florida; Zoe Jarvis, Big Chimney, West Virginia; Renae Kennison, Rainelle, West Virginia; Kylah Lockriddge, McGraws, West Virginia; and Breanne Waldron, Fairmont, West Virginia. 

Also inducted were Dr. Rae Emrick, vice president for athletics, Alexis de Coning, assistant professor of communications, Jonathan Acord, dean of the chapel, and Colby Wamsley, assistant director of campus life.

Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Thomas Smith, faculty advisor, Alisa Lively, dean of students and circle advisor, and Jessica Wagner, director for community engagement and circle staff.  Officers participating included Srikiran Nandigama, president, and Ellie Pergoletti, treasurer.  Guest speaker was Paula McGrew, professor of library science and director of library services emeritus.  Student officers for the 2025-2026 academic year include Srikiran Nandigama, president, Faith Yoho, vice-president, and Sydney Vilain, treasurer.

Omicron Delta Kappa was founded on December 3, 1914, on the campus of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.  The Society was founded by a group of 15 students and faculty who believed that leadership at the collegiate level should be recognized and encouraged across all phases of campus life.  The motives which guided the founders sprang from the desire to bring together one body for the general good of the institution, leaders from all parts of the college or university community.  The success of the ODK idea, an essential part of which is its inter-generational nature and a determination to maintain a consistent and high standards of leadership recognition, led to the establishment of chapters, which are called circles, at other colleges.

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –  Severe flooding in February in Wyoming County, West Virginia, caused significant damage to people’s property. 

Wyoming County is the home county of freshman Matthew Hatfield ’28, who watched from his residence hall as his community dealt with flooding and wanted to help. Other West Virginia Wesleyan College students were also watching the devastation and brainstormed how they could help.

“WVWC Student Senate contacted me and asked what they could do to help,” Hatfield said. “When I was approached and asked how they could help, I was moved. Growing up in the small town of Oceana, West Virginia, I was taught that when your neighbor needs help, you help. That is exactly what happened on February 15th. To say I wasn’t worried about my community would be a lie. Getting on Facebook and seeing people begging for help and to be rescued made me feel helpless. Seeing the pictures as the water destroyed homes and businesses that I have walked in hundreds of times made me feel paralyzed. Going back and hearing the stories of people I hold dear tell me that they had to escape in knee-high water made me feel like I was there when it happened,” he said. 

Hatfield stated, “Being at West Virginia Wesleyan College reminds me so much of being back home. Seeing this College come together for a community they have never been to shows the love this College has. I am the only student from Wyoming County here at WVWC and for them to go out of their way to do this for my community shows me again that I picked the right College.” 

WVWC Student Senate President Bray Boggs ’27, of Scott Depot, West Virginia, said, “Our goal as a Student Senate is to be a supportive governing body for campus organizations as well as a source of support for the student body as a whole. However, WV Wesleyan College has a unique history of not being limited by the boundaries of the campus, and I truly believe that we have an important role to play in supporting our fellow citizens and West Virginians. Seeing the needs of those affected by the flooding, we felt duty-bound as a Senate to offer our support. After hearing from Matthew and communicating with community service organizations in the region, we felt that monetary aid would be the most appropriate option.” 

“These individuals are constantly in our thoughts and prayers, and it is my hope that this gesture will reach many families and households in the tight-knit communities of Southern West Virginia. The Student Senate is proud to have contributed to these recovery efforts,” he added. 

The WVWC Student Senate agreed to donate $1,000 to Mountain Heart Community Service in Metheny, West Virginia, who will oversee the distribution for needed supplies such as shovels, brooms and cleaning supplies. 

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 Departments of Theatre & Dance presents Oscar Wilde’s comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” This production contains a unique twist to Wilde’s work, featuring both a dressed-down British cast and an American Southern cast set in the 1960s. Performances run April 10 at 7:30 p.m., April 11 at 7:30 p.m., and April 12 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The British cast will be performing April 10 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m., while the Southern cast will be performing April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at the door one hour prior to curtain and are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors, students, or anyone with a WVWC ID.  

Known for its sharp social commentary and delightful absurdities, “The Importance of Being Earnest” has captivated audiences for over a century. Set in Victorian England, the play follows the escapades of two young men, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who lead double lives to avoid societal pressures. Their comical deceptions set off a chain of misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and romantic entanglements, culminating in Wilde’s signature humorous and revealing conclusion. 

This production creatively blends Wilde’s witty English satire with the warmth and charm of Southern culture. Directed by Thomas Schoffler, chair of the WVWC Department of Theatre and Dance, this reimagining infuses the traditional British setting of the play with the distinctive accent, style, and humor of the American South. A talented British cast brings Oscar Wilde’s razor-sharp dialogue to life, while Southern elements provide a unique contrast, amplifying the comedy and ensuring a completely original theater experience. 

Wesleyan’s cast includes junior musical theatre/media communication major Ashton Nardella ‘26, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as Southern Algernon Moncrieff and freshman musical theatre major John Spellman ‘28, of Morgantown, West Virginia, as British Algernon Moncrieff, sophomore acting/directing major Eli Dickey ‘27 of Chloe, West Virginia, as southern Jack Worthing, sophomore English major Amelia Hughes ‘27, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, as British Jack Worthing, senior acting and directing major Ellery Brown ’25 of Bay City, Michigan as Southern Gwendolen Fairfax, senior musical theater major Sydney Stewart ‘25,  of Barboursville, West Virginia, as British Gwendolen Fairfax, sophomore biology (pre-med) major Kaylie (Kai) Toler ‘27, of Harts, West Virginia, as Southern Cecily Cardew, freshman acting/directing major Leigh Rice ‘28, of Philippi, West Virginia, as British Cecily Cardew, Buckhannon resident Jett Eric as Southern Lady Bracknell,  Assistant Professor of Communication Dr. Lexi de Coning from South Africa as British Lady Bracknell, junior musical theater/communications double-major Julius Pretlow ‘26, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, as Southern Reverend Chasuble, freshman acting/directing major Salem Bradshaw ‘28 of Nicholas County, West Virginia, as British Reverend Chasuble, Senior English major Roxie Underwood 25’, as Southern Miss Prism, sophomore acting/directing Major Rhyan Sebring ‘27 of Caldwell, Ohio, as British Miss Prism, freshman pre-drama therapy major Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, as Southern Merriman and Lane, and  interim Director of Technical Theater Justin Grow as British Merriman and Lane. 

The show features designs by two professional guest artists including costumes by Pittsburgh-based designer Jacob Currence and scenic designs by former Wesleyan technical director Keith Saine. The production’s stage manager is sophomore arts administration major Tina Green ‘27, of Huntington, West Virginia, and Assistant Stage Manager Payton Hill ‘28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia. Additional crew includes properties design by senior psychology major Cam McGriff ‘25, of Wilmington, Deleware, sound design by sophomore acting/directing major Rhyan Sebring ‘27, of Caldwell, Ohio, with lighting design by senior technical theater major Jay Coping-Smith ‘25, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, and freshman musical theater Major Adrian Legg ‘28, of Charleston, West Virginia, with senior musical theatre major Ben Long ‘25 of Buckhannon, West Virginia, serving as assistant director. 

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’s Sleeth Gallery will host an exhibit in April from an artist who found inspiration in Appalachia. The exhibit, “Exploring West Virginia: Sketches, Studies and Finished Works” by the late Carl Gaertner will run Thursday, April 3 through May 3 in Sleeth Gallery. An opening reception will be held Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. with a gallery talk at 5:30 p.m. by the artists’ granddaughter,  Erin Gaertner.

Erin Gaertner will also be on campus Friday, April 4 to present a work to WVWC by her grandfather during a program at 5 p.m. in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Library. 

Carl Gaertner was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 18, 1898. He attended the Cleveland School of Art, now known as the Cleveland Institute of Art, from 1920 to 1922. He then taught at the Cleveland School of Art from 1925 until his death in 1952, where he was highly respected and influential. While his early work focused on his surroundings in Cleveland, he soon began to travel and gained interest and inspiration from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Cape Cod, and New York. Though he garnered much attention for his industrial landscapes, he has also captured the hard work of agriculture with sloping, mountainous backgrounds, demonstrating Appalachian beauty and the labor of the people living there at that time. He died unexpectedly on Nov.  4, 1952 at his home in Cleveland, Ohio.

 “Exploring West Virginia: Sketches, Studies, and Finished Works” reflects on Gaertner’s work documenting Appalachian life and landscapes. As an outsider, it can be difficult to capture the essence of the Appalachian people, but Gaertner was able to do so with empathy, understanding, and grace that felt more comforting than critical.

Gaertner visited West Virginia a few times throughout his life, including an extended visit in the summer of 1933, teaching with William Grauer and the Art Colony at The Greenbrier. The first retrospective show in 25 years was exhibited at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, West Virginia earlier this year, and we are now happy to share it with West Virginia Wesleyan College at Sleeth Gallery. Carl Gaertner’s granddaughter, Erin Gaertner ’08, has worked to preserve and exhibit Gaertner’s art to share with those who are familiar fans and those who are receiving their first introduction. She has curated this collection to demonstrate his connection to Appalachia with pieces that focus on West Virginia and surrounding areas.

Katy Whitlow ’08 has assisted in research and archival work. 

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 will welcome Bishop Julius C. Trimble as the Baccalaureate speaker on Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.  Trimble assumed the role of General Secretary for the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of The United Methodist Church on Sept. 1, 2024.

Trimble was assigned July 16, 2016, to the Indiana Episcopal Area (Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church) during the North Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church meeting in Peoria, Illinois. He was elected and consecrated a bishop by the same jurisdiction in 2008 and served eight years as the bishop of the Iowa Conference before his assignment to Indiana.

Trimble is a native of Chicago and a graduate of Illinois State University. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, Ill., and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio.

Trimble preached his first sermon when he was 16 years old based on the conversion of Saul in Acts 9:1-9 entitled “Picked out to be picked on.”  He was ordained a deacon and elder in the Northern Illinois Conference where he served two churches before transferring to the East Ohio Conference. He served churches in the Cleveland area and as the District Superintendent of the Cleveland District from 1996-2003.

The recipient of many honors and awards, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1998 from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and the 2007 Bishop James S. Thomas Social Action Award from the Methodist Federation for Social Action. He continues to promote faith-based response to domestic violence and has encouraged the establishment of mental health ministries at the local church and conference level. He is also an active advocate for social justice, faith-based initiatives to address gun violence, as well as immigration reform. Trimble has preached throughout the United States and in Africa. He has also written a book, to support The United Methodist Church campaign Imagine No Malaria, A Faithful Church and a Healthy World: Reflections and Poems by Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble (2015). Trimble received the 2015 Peace and Justice Award from Iowa Conference MFSA. In December 2017, he was the Graduation Keynote speaker at United Theological Seminary Dayton, Ohio, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity for leadership in area of Global Health and Global Justice.  He has authored two books: 10 Reasons I am Methodist, published in 2022, and I Dreamed of Life in Living Color, published in 2024, each by Popular Truth Publishing.

Bishop Trimble has been married since May of 1979 to First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble, a professional counselor and graduate of Methodist Theological School in Ohio. They are the parents of three adult children: Cameron, Candiace, and Julius Thomas. In June 2018, the Trimbles celebrated the birth of their first granddaughter, Corrine.

Trimble served as chairperson of the Development Committee and the Advisory Development Committee for Africa University for which he continues to be a Board Member; chairperson of the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee (UMGAC); on the Council of Bishops Immigration Task Force; and as a Board member of Indiana University Health System from 2017-2024.

Trimble’s personal mission statement is “to encourage all people with the love of Jesus Christ to rise to their highest potential or “Be Encouraged” for short. 

For a schedule of commencement activities, visit www.wvwc.edu/commencement-2025.