Bethany Commencement
Ten O’clock May Eleventh Two Thousand Twenty Four
CONCERT
PROCESSIONAL
PROGRAM
Dr. Jamie Caridi, Presiding
Bethany Chamber Winds
Patrick Regan Bagpiper
(The audience will please rise when the academic procession enters and remain standing for the National Anthem and the Invocation.)
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION
WELCOME
BOARD OF TRUSTEES GREETING
Sage Annette Halbritter Class of 2024
Madison Kayley McDonald Class of 2024
. . Ken Bado '77 Board of Trustees Chair
PRESIDENT'S REMARKS
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Shelley Moore Capito Honorary Doctor of EducationDr . Jamie Caridi President of the College
ADDRESS TO THE CLASS Shelley Moore Capito Senator (R-W.Va.)
HYMN — “America”
Alexander Campbell, founder of Bethany College, so fused the purposes of his new College with the ideals of the new Republic that it was appropriate for him to schedule all early commencement exercises of the College for Independence Day. The audience is asked to rise and join in singing . My Country! ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died! Land of the pilgrims’ pride! From ev’ry mountain side Let freedom ring!
Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright With freedom’s holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!
PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2024 FOR MASTER'S DEGREES
CONFERRING OF MASTER'S DEGREES
Master of Business Administration
Master of Education
PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS OF 2024 FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
CONFERRING OF BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Arts
PRESENTATION OF THE OREON E . SCOTT AWARD
Dr . Chuck Stinemetz
Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
WELCOME TO NEW BETHANY COLLEGE ALUMNI
THE ALMA MATER
. . Deno Emili '78
.
Executive Director of Alumni Engagement & Planned Giving
(The audience is asked to rise and join in singing.)
All hail to thee, hail to thee, bright Alma Mater! Our heart’s true affection twines closely to thee; How dear to our hearts are the scenes of Old Bethany; God speed, Alma Mater and dear Old Bethany . God speed, Alma Mater and Old Bethany .
High up on the scroll of honor and fame
Thy sons and thy daughters have written thy name; But now we must leave thee with hearts overflowing; Farewell, Alma Mater and dear Old Bethany, Farewell, Alma Mater and Old Bethany .
BENEDICTION
the Rev Thaddaeus B Allen '92
Regional Minister & President of the West Virginia, Pennsylvania, & Northeastern Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
EXCHANGE OF THE MACE
Hailee Vizyak, President of the Class of 2024
Miranda Montgomery, President of the Class of 2025
RECESSIONAL
Take Me Home, Country Roads
Bethany Rock Ensemble (Lyrics on pages 32-33)
(The audience will please remain standing during the recessional.)
CLASS OF 2024 MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Sheldon Christian St . Johns, Antigua & Barbuda
Christian Funari
Wheeling, West Virginia
Corinne Grabow Morgantown, West Virginia
Mark Lavezza Nashport, Ohio
Julian McGee Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sophie Morey Mount Martha, Vic, Australia
CLASS OF 2024 MASTER OF EDUCATION
Jerome Ambrose Newport News, Virginia
Brooke Corley Scottsdale, Pennsylvania
Yasmeene Henderson Swissvale, Pennsylvania
James Lane Simpsonville, South Carolina
Brody Lundeen Dayton, Ohio
Jakob Nyswaner Clarksville, Pennsylvania
Jordan O'Shea Lafayette, Indiana
Sarah Sberna Wheeling, West Virginia
Tchegnelene (Suzy) Tresor Yaounde, Cameroon
CLASS OF 2024 BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Meti K. Abdella Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Angela Marie Brandel Plain City, Ohio
Lynn Burton Columbus, Ohio
Nia Coates St . Johns, Antigua & Barbuda
Kiersten Collins Cincinnati, Ohio
Asia Brilye Crim Shoals, Indiana
Sage Annette Halbritter Morgantown, West Virginia
Yasmeene Henderson Swissvale, Pennsylvania
Joseph Marvin Katavitch Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania
Mary Katherine Marshall Steubenville, Ohio
Makenzee Mason Lithopolis, Ohio
Allyson Patrice McClelland Brunswick, Ohio
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Parker Meyer Oakland, Maryland
Michael Perez-Maldonado Woodbrige, Virginia
Maxwell Petty Grove City, Ohio
Alexis N. Reed Alexandria, Pennsylvania
John Rogers Alton, Illinois
Geanna Marie Samol Avella, Pennsylvania
Shayne Sanders Menifee, California
Lilly Stanley Wheeling, West Virginia
Grace McKenna Tice Mansfield, Pennsylvania
Hailee Vizyak Wellsburg, West Virginia
Robert Haynes Warren, III Dallas, Texas
Benjamin M. Wright Steubenville, Ohio
CLASS OF 2024 BACHELOR OF ARTS
Jordan S. Aldridge Wheeling, West Virginia
Madison Rose Andrejcik Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Sebastian Arrocain Buenos Aires, Argentina
Theresamarie Lakellylee Banks Solon, Ohio
Louis Kelly Curtis Banks, II Solon, Ohio
Shelby Lee Barnett Evans City, Pennsylvania
Mary-Kathryn Beck Triadelphia, West Virginia
Wilberto Danté Belardo Largo, Florida
Alissa Dawn Blackstone Groveport, Ohio
Luciano Tomas Pedro Boccalatte Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tyler Joseph Britton Valley Grove, West Virginia
Melodey Clancey Richmond, Ohio
Keone Corpuz Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela Thorold, Ontario, Canada
Allison Danver East Liverpool, Ohio
Hunter Davis Minford, Ohio
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Aubrey Davis Woodsfield, Ohio
Gia DiGiacomo Poland, Ohio
Alicia Dixon Plainfield, Illinois
Daveon Eason Ocala, Florida
Samantha H. Garrick Donara, Pennsylvania
Ja'Niya Gilner Euclid, Ohio
Kasie Lilian Hill Goldsborough Mechanicsville, Maryland
Gracie Gonzales Fairmont, West Virginia
Destiny Goodnight Youngstown, Ohio
Nathan A.P. Greaves St . George's, Grenada
David W. Heldt Sanford, North Carolina
Quinn Hiles Burbank, Ohio
Christopher John Hochstetler, II Meadville, Pennsylvania
Salvador Issler La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Malique A. Jarvis Basseterre, St . Kits Nevis
Sydney Nicole Kirker Tallmadge, Ohio
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Myia Kirwan Greenbay, St . Johns Antigua
Olivia Lauren Koehler Columbus, Ohio
Emma Jade Kuivila Hiram, Ohio
Faith Lavezoli Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rondell Lewis Cleveland, Ohio
Trey Mantle Groveport, Ohio
Emmanuela Ugochi Marthins Elkridge, Maryland
Gabriela S. Martinez-Merino Woodbridge, Virginia
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
John R. McArdle Oakdale, Pennsylvania
Shawn McClurg Steubenville, Ohio
Madison Kayley McDonald Jacksonville, Florida
Dante Mejia Mahwah, New Jersey
Jeremiah Mercado North Arlington, New Jersey
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Timothy Lee Mickens, Jr. Ocala, Florida
Sarah Moore Wellsburg, West Virginia
Tomas Novaira Sante Fe, Argentina
Zachary Presnell Heath, Ohio
Benjamin Trenton Pyles Mathias, West Virginia
Courtney Denise Rosser Cleveland, Ohio
Naomi Rubrake Columbia City, Indiana
Anastasia Rudolph Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Julianne Ruth Rush Avella, Pennsylvania
Cameron Russo Derwood, Maryland
William Sarver Lewisburg, West Virginia
Jacob Schmidt Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
Christian Simmons St . Clairsville, Ohio
Kween Sirnic Jeannette, Pennsylvania
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Bella M. Skobel Charleroi, Pennsylvania
Austin Blaine Smith Ivydale, West Virginia
Brennon Smith McDonald, Pennsylvania
Jermain Michael Snodgrass Wheeling, West Virginia
Joshua W. Speaker Bloomingdale, Ohio
Alexa Jade Taylor McDonald, Pennsylvania
Anthony Dean Taylor Wellsburg, West Virginia
T. Scott Thompson Gibsonia, Pennsylvania
Hannah Veronesi New Castle, Pennsylvania
Dadrick A. Vickers Miami Gardens, Florida
Ashley Nicole Wagoner Parkersburg, West Virginia
Treybourne Walker Clinton, Maryland
Sheyann Larina Watson Hickory, Pennsylvania
Shawn Wheeler Houston, Pennsylvania
Kajell A. Whyte Trenton, New Jersey
Olivia Marie Zinn Philippi, West Virginia
DOUBLE MAJORS
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela Managerial Economics & Criminal Justice
Sage Annette Halbritter Psychology & Religion
Christopher John Hochstetler, II Economics & Finance
Salvador Issler Marketing & Management
Joseph Marvin Katavitch Professional Chemistry & Physics (Pre-Engineering/Physical Science)
Makenzee Mason Psychology & Sports Medicine
Maxwell Petty Economics & Mathematics (Dual Major)
Olivia Marie Zinn Communications & Spanish
ACADEMIC HONORS
IN THE GRADUATING CLASS
Shelby Lee Barnett
Alissa Dawn Blackstone
Asia Brilye Crim
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela
Ja'Niya Gilner
Sage Annette Halbritter
Gabriela S . Martinez-Merino
Allyson Patrice McClelland
Dante Mejia
Benjamin Trenton Pyles
Bella M . Skobel
Sheyann Larina Watson
Louis Kelly Curtis Banks, II
Keone Corpuz
Kasie Lilian Hill Goldsborough
Salvador Issler
Mary Katherine Marshall
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Madison Kayley McDonald
Alexis N . Reed
Naomi Rubrake
Julianne Ruth Rush
Grace McKenna Tice
Hailee Vizyak
Mary-Kathryn Beck
Luciano Tomas Pedro Boccalatte
Lynn Burton
Aubrey Davis
Destiny Goodnight
Yasmeene Henderson
Sydney Nicole Kirker
Emma Jade Kuivila
Emmanuela Ugochi Marthins
Makenzee Mason
Shawn McClurg
Tomas Novaira
Zachary Presnell
Cameron Russo
Geanna Marie Samol
Kween Sirnic
Brennon Smith
Joshua W. Speaker
Robert Haynes Warren, III
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS PASSED WITH DISTINCTION
Meti K . Abdella
Louis Kelly Curtis Banks, II
Alissa Dawn Blackstone
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela
Allison Danver
Destiny Goodnight
Nathan A .P. Greaves
Sage Annette Halbritter
David W. Heldt
Olivia Lauren Koehler
Emma Jade Kuivila
Faith Lavezoli
Emmanuela Ugochi Marthins
Gabriela S . Martinez-Merino
Makenzee Mason
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Madison Kayley McDonald
Dante Mejia
Parker Meyer
Benjamin Trenton Pyles
Alexis N . Reed
Naomi Rubrake
Jacob Schmidt
Bella M . Skobel
Anthony Dean Taylor
Grace McKenna Tice
Robert Haynes Warren, III
Sheyann Larina Watson
Shawn Wheeler
Olivia Marie Zinn*
* Distinction in Two Areas of Study
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
Francis O. Carfer Prize for Service to the College (Outstanding Senior)
Hailee Vizyak
Bethany 2000 Prize (Senior Achievement Award)
Lynn Burton
Olivia Marie Zinn
The John R. Taylor Award
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Pittsburgh Bethany College Club Award (Oustanding Junior Woman)
Hailee Vizyak, 2023
The W. F. Kennedy Prize (Outstanding Junior Man)
Louis Kelly Curtis Banks, II, 2023
Beta Beta Beta Prize
Meti K . Abdella, 2022
Alexis N . Reed, 2022
Beta Beta Beta - B. R. Weimer Award
Meti K . Abdella
The Accountancy Award
Julianne Ruth Rush
Bella M . Skobel
Joshua W. Speaker
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
Korb Entrepreneurial Award
Naomi Rubrake
The Eugene Miller Award
Olivia Marie Zinn, 2024, 2023
The Business Award in Finance
Christian Funari, 2023
The Business Award in Management
Salvador Issler
The Business Award in Marketing
Naomi Rubrake
Freshman Chemistry Award
Meti K . Abdella, 2023
Alexis N . Reed, 2022
The Jerry R. Allison Award
Asia Brilye Crim
Sara M. Cannon Award
Sheyann Larina Watson
Corinne Grabow, 2022
Dante Mejia, 2022
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
James W. Carty Award
Gabriela S . Martinez-Merino
Zachary Presnell, 2023
Olivia Marie Zinn, 2022
E. E. Roberts Distinguished Prize in Campus Media
William Sarver, 2023
James Keegan Prize in International Communications
Olivia Marie Zinn, 2023
Charlotte Manion Yurko Award
Olivia Marie Zinn, 2023
W. Randolph Cooey Value Added Award
Anthony Dean Taylor
Forrest H. Kirkpatrick Award
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela
Caldwell Award for Leadership in the Art & Science of Teaching
Alissa Dawn Blackstone
Exceptional Secondary Education Award
Kasie Lilian Hill Goldsborough
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING
CLASS
Florence Hoagland Memorial Award
Kasie Lilian Hill Goldsborough
Cammie Pendleton Award
Kasie Lilian Hill Goldsborough, 2023, 2022
W.W. Eaton Award
Kasie Lilian Hill Goldsborough, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
MaryBeth Trout Horsemanship Award
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Olivia Marie Zinn, 2022
Frank Alfred Chapman Memorial Award
Faith Lavezoli
Thomas R. Burns Award in History & Political Science
Faith Lavezoli, 2023
R. Darryl Ponton Student Leadership Award
Benjamin Trenton Pyles
Wheeling-Nisshin Japanese Culture Award
Theresamarie Lakellylee Banks
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
John J. Knight Award
Robert Haynes Warren, III
S. Elizabeth Reed Award
Destiny Goodnight
Thomas Jefferson Prize in Political Science
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley, 2023
Sophie Morey, 2022
The John G. Chernenko Award
Ja'Niya Gilner, 2023
Sophie Morey, 2022
The International Relations Award
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Sophie Morey, 2023
Thomas R. Briggs Award
Sage Annette Halbritter
Benjamin Trenton Pyles
Psychology Service Award
Lynn Burton
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
John H. Hull Student Research Award
Lynn Burton Makenzee Mason
Osborne Booth Prize
Sage Annette Halbritter
Harold R. & Evelyn N. Watkins Pre-Ministerial Award Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley, 2024, 2022
David Judy Prize Yasmeene Henderson, 2022
Wes Wagner Award Sheyann Larina Watson
Rush Carter Prize William Sarver
Charles H. Manion Award Sheyann Larina Watson
A. Kenneth Stevenson Theatre Award Robert Haynes Warren, III
AWARDS AND PRIZES PRESENTED TO MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
George K. Hauptfuehrer Award
Theresamarie Lakellylee Banks
Julianne Ruth Rush, 2023
Leonora Balla Cayard Prize
Faith Lavezoli
Tomas Novaira, 2023
Pearl Mahaffey Prize
Olivia Marie Zinn
Shirley Morris Memorial Award
Tomas Novaira
Sophie Morey, 2022
Margaret R. Woods Prize
Olivia Marie Zinn, 2024, 2023
MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETIES
Meti K . Abdella
Gamma Sigma Kappa Scholarship Society
Alissa Dawn Blackstone
Allison Danver
Ja'Niya Gilner
Sage Annette Halbritter
Faith Lavezoli
Dante Mejia
Olivia Marie Zinn
Gamma Sigma Alpha National Greek Honor Society
Shelby Lee Barnett
Alissa Dawn Blackstone
Asia Brilye Crim
Sage Annette Halbritter
Madison Kayley McDonald
Ashley Nicole Wagoner
Sheyann Larina Watson
Olivia Marie Zinn
Alpha Psi Omega National Recognition Society in Dramatics
Theresamarie Lakellylee Banks
Shawn McClurg
Anastasia Rudolph
William Sarver
Anthony Dean Taylor
Sheyann Larina Watson
Olivia Marie Zinn
Kappa Mu Epsilon National Honor Society in Mathematics
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela
MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETIES
Beta Beta Beta Recognition Society in Biology
Meti K . Abdella
Theresamarie Lakellylee Banks
Allyson Patrice McClelland
Alexis N . Reed
Grace McKenna Tice
Hailee Vizyak
Gamma Sigma Epsilon
Chemistry Honor Society
Meti K . Abdella
Asia Brilye Crim
Mary Katherine Marshall
Allyson Patrice McClelland
Grace McKenna Tice
Hailee Vizyak
Alpha Phi Sigma
National Recognition Society in Criminal Justice
Shelby Lee Barnett
Ja'Niya Gilner
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela
Aubrey Davis Hailee Vizyak
Kappa Delta Pi
Bethany Honor Society in Education
Alissa Dawn Blackstone
Allison Danver
Madison Kayley McDonald
Kappa Pi
Visual Art Honor Society
Sheyann Larina Watson
MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETIES
Omicron Delta Kappa
National Leadership Honor Society
Louis Kelly Curtis Banks, II
Asia Brilye Crim
Makenzee Mason
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Allyson Patrice McClelland
Madison Kayley McDonald
Sheyann Larina Watson
Olivia Marie Zinn
Phi Delta Psi
Physical Education Honor Society
Kiersten Collins
Keone Corpuz
Destiny Goodnight
Olivia Lauren Koehler
Emma Jade Kuivila
Robert Haynes Warren, III
Shawn Wheeler
Pi Sigma Alpha
National Political Science Honor Society
Louis Kelly Curtis Banks, II
Makenzee Mason
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Sophie Morey
Delta Phi Alpha National Honor Society
National Honor Society in German Language, Literature, and Civilization
Faith Lavezoli
Tomas Novaira
Omicron Delta Epsilon
International Honor Society in Economics
Kyle Eugenio D'Angela
Lynn Burton
Aubrey Davis
MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETIES
Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society
Sage Annette Halbritter
Makenzee Mason
Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society in Business
Sheldon Christian
Salvador Issler
Tomas Novaira
Naomi Rubrake
Julianne Ruth Rush
Bella M . Skobel
Brennon Smith
Joshua W. Speaker
Alexa Jade Taylor
Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society in Spanish
Allison Danver
Olivia Marie Zinn
Theta Alpha Kappa
National Honor Society for Religious Studies and Theology
Marci Kathleen Mazza-Fredley
Sage Annette Halbritter
Sigma Tau Epsilon Honor Society in Music
Theresamarie Lakellylee Banks
Faith Lavezoli
Shawn McClurg
Julianne Ruth Rush
William Sarver
Anthony Dean Taylor
BETHANY COLLEGE DIPLOMA TRANSLATION
To all persons who may read this document, greetings.
By virtue of the authority vested in us by the state to designate those students who have excelled in their conduct, ability, and knowledge of the liberal arts, we, the president and faculty of Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia, hereby testify that is of moral and intellectual integrity and we confer the degree of with all the rights, honors, and privileges pertaining to that degree. In witness thereof we affix the seal and signature on this eleventh day of May in the 2024th year of our Lord.
OFFICERS OF THE CLASS OF 2024
Hailee Vizyak, President
Lara Ann Smith, Vice President
Sage Annette Halbritter, Secretary
Joseph Marvin Katavitch, Treasurer
OFFICERS OF BETHANY COLLEGE
Dr . Jamie Caridi, President of the College
Dr . Chuck Stinemetz, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Susan Halulko, Vice President of Finance & Chief Financial Officer
Shelley Moore Capito
Senator (R-W.Va.)
Shelley Moore Capito was elected by the people of West Virginia to the United States Senate in 2014, and re-elected in 2020 . Shelley became the first female Senator in West Virginia’s history and in 2020, was reelected with the largest margin of victory for a Republican in state history—winning more than 70 percent of the vote and all 55 counties, surpassing the previous mark she set in 2014 when she won more than 62 percent of the vote and all 55 counties .
After serving West Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U S House of Representatives for 14 years, and as a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates for four years prior, Senator Capito decided to run for Senate to be an even stronger voice for the Mountain State She also saw an opportunity to restore order to a Senate stuck in gridlock for far too long . She believes that today's challenges demand bipartisan solutions and cooperation across the aisle to advance legislation that benefits West Virginia and the country as a whole . Senator Capito is committed to being accessible and responsive to her fellow West Virginians and regularly travels, with proper health and safety precautions in place, to hear from and meet with West Virginians .
Senator Capito serves on the Appropriations Committee; the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee as ranking member; and the Rules and Administration Committee . This committee portfolio puts her in a strong position to create new opportunities in the Mountain State and fight for West Virginia priorities, jobs, and families . Senator Capito also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, the number five position in Senate Republican leadership .
As a member of the Committee on Appropriations, Senator Capito works to ensure West Virginia’s priorities are represented when our nation’s funding decisions are made . During her time on the committee, she has served as chair of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, and the Homeland Security Subcommittee Senator Capito currently serves as the top Republican on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, where she oversees funding across a large range of programs within the U .S . Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services (HHS), and other independent agencies She has been a member of the Appropriations Committee since she became a Senator in 2015 .
On the EPW Committee, the senator serves as Ranking Member . As the top Republican on the committee, Ranking Member Capito has advocated for policies that protect vital West Virginia energy and manufacturing jobs and encourage investment in West Virginia’s infrastructure . As a leader on the EPW Committee, Ranking Member Capito is committed to promoting a commonsense regulatory strategy and protecting affordable, reliable energy production; building our nation’s infrastructure, and encourage economic development . She has been a member of the EPW Committee since she became a Senator in 2015 .
On the Commerce Committee, Senator Capito oversees ways to address many issues that are critical to West Virginia, most notably broadband expansion, which she has been a leading voice on since she came to Congress . This committee assignment allows Senator Capito to continue advocating for improved connectivity in West Virginia
A lifelong West Virginian herself, Senator Capito was born in Glen Dale in the Northern Panhandle . She holds a B .S . in Zoology from Duke University and a M Ed from the University of Virginia She and her husband Charles L Capito Jr . reside in Charleston . They have three adult children: two sons, Charles (wife Laura) and Moore, and one daughter, Shelley (husband Colin Macleod) . They have also been blessed with eight grandchildren: Celia, Charlie, Eliza, Rose, Arch, Macaulay, Lewis, and Thomas .
TRUSTEES
Todd Adams, Indianapolis, Indiana
Thaddaeus Allen, Parkersburg, West Virginia
George M. “Ken” Bado, McKinney, Texas
Scott Brooks, San Francisco, California
Steven Butschi, New York, New York
Evelyn Del Cerro, Yonkers, New York
Taylor (Nutting) Gurbacs, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Logan Hassig, New Martinsville, West Virginia
Dean Haubrich, Lakeville, Connecticut
Patrick Hosey, Wilmington, Delaware
Carmina Hughes, Baltimore, Maryland
Joyce Pollack Jefferson, Wheeling, West Virginia
Asa Johnson, New York, New York
Arthur B. Keys, Jr., Washington, Pennsylvania
S. Dean Lesiak, Oxnard, California
Janet A. Long , Elyria, Ohio
Sean McBride, Fairfax, Virginia
Chris Payne, Atlanta, Georgia
Georgiana Riley, Avella, Pennsylvania
Jhamal Robinson, Los Angeles, California
Edward J. See, New Fairfield, Connecticut
Dave Sims, Seattle, Washington
Kathy Tucker, Sarasota, Florida
Don Waugaman, Plano, Texas
Craig Williams, Odenton, Maryland
Jeffrey J. Woda, Columbus, Ohio
OF BETHANY COLLEGE 2023 - 2024 Deceased
COMMENCEMENT NOTES
Bethany College was founded on March 2, 1840 . The first Commencement was July 4, 1842, although the first baccalaureate degrees were not conferred until 1844 .
The 4th of July was the traditional Commencement Day until the death of Alexander Campbell in 1866 The Declaration of Independence was read at the opening of the ceremonies, which usually lasted five or six hours . Since 1866, the ceremonies have been held earlier in the year .
From 1842 to 1857, the exercises took place in the College Hall . On December 10, 1857, fire destroyed the Hall and the 1858 exercises were moved to the Bethany Church . In the intervening years prior to the completion of Commencement Hall in 1872, the Old Chapel served as the Commencement site .
Commencement Hall became inadequate with the large graduating classes following World War II, and the services were moved to the outdoor amphitheatre in 1949 and then in 1957 to the Hummel (formerly Alumni) Field House .
Through 2019, Commencement was held at the Dr . Fred H . Tilock ’54 Amphitheatre in the Pennington Quadrangle behind Old Main, a National Historic Landmark .
To allow enough spacing to social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic, Commencement was moved to Don Ault Field at Bison Stadium in 2021 . Exercises have since moved to the Hummel Field House .
LYRICS TO COUNTRY ROADS
Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
All my memories gather 'round her
Miner's lady, stranger to blue water
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
LYRICS TO COUNTRY ROADS
I hear her voice in the mornin' hour, she calls me
The radio reminds me of my home far away
Drivin' down the road, I get a feelin'
That I should've been home yesterday, yesterday
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
Take me home, (down) country roads
Take me home, (down) country roads