Class of 2006 largest in UVa-Wise history

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise awarded bachelor’s degrees to 291 individuals on Saturday, May 20, making the Class of 2006 the largest in UVa-Wise history.

Marcia Adams Gilliam, a 1982 graduate of the College and president of CSE Financial Services, Inc., delivered the keynote address during the 37th Commencement ceremony.

Gilliam, who also serves as vice chair of the UVa-Wise Board and as co-chair of the College’s Campaign Cabinet, spoke to the Class of 2006 about individuals who have made a difference in her life.

The Norton native thanked her parents and siblings for the sacrifices they made, enabling Gilliam to be the first member of her family to graduate from college. 

“You see, in high school I didn’t know if college was going to be a realistic goal so I took college prep courses along with secretarial courses,” Gilliam said.  “Fortunately, with assistance and guidance from various high school teachers and mentors, and with federal grant monies, scholarship monies, work study programs and a lot of help from a lot of people, college won out and I was on my way.”

Gilliam’s list of people who made a difference in her life also included Bob Isaac – the owner of Dave’s Department Store in Norton, where she worked throughout her college years – and several current and former College faculty including Betty Gilliam, Betty Humphreys, Wayne Edwards, William Maxwell, Mike Donathan, Glenn Blackburn, Peter Yun, Dorris Hubbard, and the late Joe Scolnick.  She also thanked scholarship donors Eliza S. Rigg and Kent Rigg and her pastors, John and Martha McCarroll.  

“As I have been told many times recently in my preparation of these comments, keep it short and remember that the graduates won’t remember anything you say,” Gilliam said. “I beg to differ.  I challenge each of you to remember one thing – whatever profession or vocation you select in your walk of life, do it with determination and aspiration. To be the best, whether in an entry-level position, middle management or as a CEO, do the task set before you as the professional you are and keep this attitude in your personal, volunteer and civic life by being a person who makes a difference.”

Nearly 3,000 family and friends of the Class of 2006 attended the Commencement Ceremony. The crowd also included several members of the Class of 1956, who were among the first group of students to attend what was then Clinch Valley College.

UVa-Wise Chancellor David J. Prior presented each of the graduates with a copy of the children’s book “The Little Engine That Could.”

“This is a gift to you from the College as a reminder that reading has been essential to your success,” Prior said.  “I ask that each of you take your book with you and find a time next week to read it to a child.  And, if that child does not own a book, give the book to him or her.  Help that child get started on a lifetime of learning, just as someone did for you.”

Prior also asked the graduates to say “thank you” to an elementary or high school teacher who had made a positive impact on their education.

Four outstanding students were selected by their peers to speak during Commencement Weekend activities.

Lora C. Wharton of Wise delivered the “Moment of Reflection,” encouraging her classmates to embrace the challenges they will face in the future.

“Through the challenges experienced during our time here we have grown more than we realize,” Wharton said.  “I hope you can recall the challenges and times of growth, which have shaped you into who you are.  I hope that through them and your time here, you too have found yourself and have found that you aren’t the same person you were four years ago and that today as a college graduate you are a better person.”

A magna cum laude graduate, Wharton received two degrees on Saturday, a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  She will begin graduate study in forensic science at George Washington University in the fall.

“As we prepare to leave UVa-Wise and continue on our journey – whether it be graduate or professional school, entering the workplace, or starting families – don’t forget that challenges come in different forms; they are not to be feared,” Wharton said.  “Challenges help us to find parts of ourselves we didn’t know existed; they help us to become better people.”

Matthew K. Pickering of Virginia Beach issued the “Challenge to the Graduates.”  “Live life to its fullest and live your passions,” Pickering said. “Take what you have learned here at UVa-Wise and soar with it.  Be a doer, not a critic, and let us take the next step and make the decision to explore the realm of our dreams and find happiness for ourselves!”

Pickering, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, plans to attend medical school.

Two students offered comments during the Alumni Dinner and Awards Convocation held on Friday, May 19.

Cleopatra R. Lightfoot of Richmond reminded graduates of the UVa-Wise family to which they belong. “We come from a strong supportive family background that has taught us how to be nothing but successful,” said Lightfoot, a magna cum laude graduate in psychology who will begin doctoral study in psychology at Argosy University in the fall. “UVa-Wise has taught us to be believers, changers, leaders, and most importantly, it has taught us to be a family. With these characteristics, the Class of 2006 will be unstoppable.”

Scott C. McDaniel of Wise, a magna cum laude graduate in history who plans to attend divinity school, challenged his fellow graduates to find ways – large and small – to serve mankind.

“If we are going to have any lasting impact on our society, we must change our hearts and minds,” McDaniel said. “Where we go, how we get there, or who is there with us loses all meaning if we fail to act with humility and grace. I know this is a serious message coming from a young man with relatively little world experience, but we live in serious times . . . True greatness will come only when we serve our neighbor. Let us dedicate ourselves to such a future.”

The following is a list of awards presented to members of the Class of 2006 during the Alumni Dinner and Awards Convocation:

Business & Economics

Brandon McGann of Afton received the Napoleon Hill Achievement Award, which is presented to the graduating senior who most embodies Hill’s principles for success.

Jonathan Todd Puckett of Clinchco received the Outstanding Achievement in Accounting Award.

Jeremy Conor Davidson of Abingdon received the Outstanding Achievement in Business Administration Award.

Michael Louis Dean of Charlottesville received the Outstanding Achievement in Economics Award, as well as the David W. Roane Award in Business Ethics, which recognizes a senior who has practiced the highest level of integrity and honesty in his or her interaction with the department’s faculty, fellow students and staff of the College.

Education

Cynthia Beth Owens of Dante received the Richard A. Davidson Education Award, which is presented to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the potential to carry on the qualities of leadership demonstrated by Professor Davidson during his 36 years at UVa-Wise.

Emily Nichole Hale of Bluefield received the Beulah M. Johnson Award, which recognizes academic excellence and a student’s commitment to a life-long career in teaching.

Amanda S. Green of Ft. Blackmore was presented with the W.D. Richmond Award, given to an outstanding graduate who plans to teach in elementary school.

Lee Anna Horne of Patterson was named the Outstanding Woman Scholar in Education.

History & Philosophy

Maggie Denise Breeding of Davenport was the recipient of the William Elbert Fraley Award in History, which recognizes unusual academic ability and promise in the field of history.

Heather Jean Crabtree of Honaker and Scott Cooper McDaniel of Wise were the recipients of the Clinch Valley College History Fund Award, which recognizes history majors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Crabtree will pursue a graduate degree at James Madison University, and McDaniel plans to attend divinity school.

Language & Literature

Chelsie Marie Lawson of Jonesville received the William Elbert Fraley Award in English, which is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated excellence in English studies and who plans to attend graduate school.

Diana Renee Sluss of Coeburn was the recipient of the Language and Literature Award in Communication Study, which recognizes a graduating senior for special distinction in the area of communication study.

The Senior Seminar Award recognizes students who have distinguished themselves in this capstone course. Majors who enroll in Senior Seminar conduct research in communication or literature and write a scholarly essay. Students are also required to give two public presentations of their projects. Olivia Ellen Scott of Blacksburg and Melody Hope Smith of Clinchco received the Senior Seminar Awards for Literature. Scott will begin graduate studies in English at James Madison University in the fall, and Smith plans to work as a high school English teacher.

Mathematical Sciences

Jennifer Leigh Conklin of Weber City was named the Outstanding Senior in Mathematics. Conklin plans to attend graduate school for mathematics or mathematics education.

Natural Science

Nathan Leonard Smith of Clintwood was presented the American Institute of Chemists Award, which recognizes a student's ability, character, scholastic achievement, and potential for advancement in the field of chemistry. Smith will now pursue a doctor of pharmacy degree at the Medical College of Virginia.

Lora Clare Wharton of Wise was presented with the American Chemical Society Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in chemistry. She now plans to pursue master’s degree in forensic science.

Jeremiah Christopher Hopkins of Wise was the recipient of the J. Rex Baird Outstanding Biology Award. This award recognizes the accomplishments of graduating seniors in biology, whose efforts and accomplishments incorporate the rigor and diligence of modern biology, and express the exhilaration of investigative work that marked Professor Baird’s career. Hopkins also received the Joseph C. Smiddy Science Award, presented to the outstanding senior in natural sciences, in honor of Joseph C. Smiddy, the College’s first biology professor and chancellor. Hopkins will attend Eastern Virginia Medical School this fall.

Terry Curtis Fultz of Norton received research honors in biology, awarded to graduates who have carried out significant research on a current topic in the field of biology.

Nursing

Tasha Monique Cornett of Nora was presented the Outstanding Graduate in Nursing Award in recognition of academic performance, College and community service, and commitment to the nursing profession. Cornett will attend Radford University to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Reba Darter Ramey of Wise received the Karen Denice Lane Nursing Challenge Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who has coped with the challenges of obtaining a degree, demonstrated high academic achievement and excellence in nursing practice and is committed to community service and life-long learning. Ramey hopes to earn a master’s degree in nursing education.

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Chadwick Wayne Wilson of Big Stone Gap was presented with the Outstanding Graduate in Administration of Justice Award, which recognizes a graduating senior based on academic performance, College and community service, and commitment to the administration of justice profession. Wilson will attend the Appalachian School of Law this fall.

Nora Leslie Kern of Big Stone Gap and Rustan Blair Rainey of Glade Spring each received the Leon and Helen Lederer Memorial Award in Applied Psychology, which is presented to graduating seniors who will attend graduate school in applied psychology, and who have demonstrated excellence in academics, scholarly research, leadership, and service to the College and community. In the fall, Kern will attend the Florida Coastal School of Law, and Rainey will attend Radford University to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.

Emily S. Lawson of Norton received the award for Outstanding Non-traditional Student in Psychology.

Ashley Brianna Sheppard of Oakwood received the award for Outstanding Research Contribution in Psychology, which recognizes students whose original research has been accepted at a national conference. She will pursue a master’s degree in psychology at East Tennessee State University.

Mollie Rebekah Meade of Pound was presented the Scholar in Sociology Award in recognition of outstanding scholarship and student leadership. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in communication.

Jason Andrew Mullins of Wise was named a Scholar of Government, awarded to students who have excelled in the study of government.  He also received one of this year’s two Dana Ann Collier Memorial Scholarship Awards, which recognizes graduates who have been accepted by an accredited law school, who demonstrate high scholarly ability, and who have overcome imposing obstacles during their college careers. The award honors the memory of Dana Ann Collier, a 1988 graduate of the College. Mullins will attend the law school at the College of William and Mary in the fall.

Danielle Benton of Chesapeake also received the Dana Ann Collier Memorial Scholarship Award. Benton also received the Joseph M. Scolnick, Sr., Memorial Pre-Law Award, presented to outstanding students who plan to pursue a career in law. Benton will attend the Appalachian School of Law this fall.

Lora Clare Wharton of Wise received the Joseph M. Scolnick, Jr., Excellence in Government and Public Service Award, which honors the College’s long-time political science professor.  The award recognizes a senior who has served the College community in a variety of posts, guarding the values of the institution and promoting the well-being of its student body.

Meagan Louise Hughes of Big Stone Gap received the Joseph M. Scolnick, Jr., Excellence in Politics and Media Award, which recognizes a senior who shares the late professor’s commitment to sharing understanding and promoting discussion of issues vital to the civil and intellectual community.

Peake Honors Program

Maggie Denise Breeding of Davenport graduated with College Honors due to her completion of the Peake Honors Program, which requires students to engage in interdisciplinary coursework beyond the requirements of their major.

Members of the largest graduating class in UVa-Wise history file past Bowers Hall and begin the procession to the Lawn by the Lake, where more than 3000 family and friends were gathered for the Commencement ceremony.