WVU Commencement celebrates next generation of bold Mountaineer leaders

Accepting a charge from West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson to boldly carry forward the University's land-grant mission of service and leadership, thousands of graduates crossed the Commencement stage at the Hope Coliseum this weekend (May 15-17).

"We've seen so much potential on this stage - proof of the promise of higher education to build better futures," President Benson told the Class of 2026 in his inaugural May Commencement address delivered at each of the nine ceremonies.

"Here at West Virginia University, pride in our land-grant mission runs deep, success is earned, and life-changing experiences prepare Mountaineers, like you, to serve others and lead in West Virginia and the world. Your bold future started here."

Championing that very mission throughout his nearly 40-year career, retired mining engineering educator and leader Syd Peng received the first Presidential Honorary Degree bestowed by President Benson, a selection based on Peng's mining work nationally and internationally, including his induction into the National Academy of Engineering in 2007 as the University's first National Academy member.

"It speaks to my love for WVU, especially for WVU mining engineering," Peng told graduates from the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

The same foundation empowered Cayleigh Pennington - a hospitality and tourism management graduate from the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics - to turn a longtime passion for creating memorable experiences that bring communities together into an event concierge internship at Nemacolin.

The ceremony also connected the new generation of business leaders to the pioneers who paved their way, as Gabriel Brothers co-founder Arthur Gabriel received an honorary degree.

Life-changing experiences opened doors to what is possible for Isabella Linton, a neuroscience graduate from the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences who will continue building on her portfolio of research and working in the field for the next year before she pursues a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Additionally, WVU Foundation Scholar and triple major Julia Leyden will graduate with degrees in history, philosophy and political science, grateful for all the lessons she's learned and confident she made the most of her time on campus.

Chancellor and Executive Dean for Health Sciences Dr. Clay Marsh reassured graduates they are ready to lead, noting their time at WVU proved their courage in tackling both current challenges and future problems.

This resilience drove Jonathan "Tucker" Bennett, a graduate from the WVU School of Medicine, and Paige Bradley, from the WVU School of Nursing, to turn hardship into a mission to save others. Bennett, who lost both his mother and brother, will begin a residency in emergency medicine with plans to eventually serve rural West Virginia, while Bradley transformed the loss of her grandmother and a battle with impostor syndrome into the strength to serve as a pediatric ICU nurse at WVU Medicine Golisano Children's.

Echoing that spirit of courage, J. Thomas "Tom" Jones, an honorary degree recipient and former president and CEO of the WVU Health System, urged WVU School of Dentistry, WVU School of Nursing, WVU School of Pharmacy and WVU School of Public Health graduates to "dream big."

The WVU College of Law ceremony highlighted two historic milestones. Beth Walker, the first justice elected to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in a nonpartisan race, received an honorary degree for her dedicated service, and graduate Chris Payne continued his family's legacy, becoming possibly the only fourth-generation Black lawyer in the country.

While the ceremonies highlighted individual achievements, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider, in his final address before Beverly Wendland begins her tenure at WVU on July 1, invited the graduates to turn to the audience and acknowledge the families and friends who supported them on their academic journeys.

As the ceremonies drew to a close and the graduates prepared to sing "Take Me Home, Country Roads," President Benson encouraged them to reflect on their time at the University.

"These lessons learned at WVU will guide you for the rest of your days," he said.

Other notable moments:

• NFL veteran and former Mountaineer standout cornerback Daryl Worley graduated from the WVU Eberly College.

• Corinne Hazel, a Goldwater Scholar, member of the Honors College, and graduate from the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will pursue a doctoral degree at the University of Cambridge in England.

• Among the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences graduates, WVU Esports team member Ethan Waugh said he hopes to secure a professional career in esports, and Navy veteran Madison Zink will begin her graduate studies in literacy education at WVU.

• One of three distinguished alumni to serve as speakers for their respective colleges, public relations professional Ayana Young told the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media graduates, "The sky is the limit."

• Payton Shreve is one of the first graduates from the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program and is the first to earn that degree in public health.

• Inspired by the health care workers who treated her uncle's asthma, Hannah Nagler is one of the first graduates from the respiratory therapy program.

Meet other Class of 2026 graduates.

Watch recordings of the Morgantown Campus ceremonies.

View an updated and downloadable WVU Commencement photo gallery.

Commencement ceremonies were held May 9 at WVU Institute of Technology and WVU Potomac State College.

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WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
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