COMMENCEMENT — David Croft, president of the Ohio County Board of Education and keynote speaker Saturday at the West Liberty University fall commencement, accepts a commemorative award from university President W. Franklin Evans. -- Contributed

WEST LIBERTY — Ohio County Board of Education President David Croft told graduates of West Liberty University that hard work and luck are often close partners.

Croft, a Wheeling attorney, was the keynote speaker for the university’s fall 2021 commencement held Saturday morning at the WLU Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex.

Croft shared the experience of a trip taken recently to Las Vegas with his 21-year-old son, that he planned as a way to share success stories and opportunities open to those who succeed.

He explained that he’s been blessed and lucky.

He referred to a mantra that he learned from his attorney friend, retired Judge Jim Seibert who said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

He said that there are many different paths to success. He gave examples of his brother and a friend who took different paths, one climbing the corporate ladder, the other choosing entrepreneurship as a way to reach his goals.

“All of us have achieved and enjoyed financial success. We each arrived and achieved success in different ways, however there are 10 characteristics of success that I will share,” he stated.

About 160 students participated in the fall ceremony. Also honored Saturday were graduating students with the highest grade-point average in each respective college, who received the honor of carrying the college banner:

• College of Business: Brendan Adams of Martins Ferry.

• College of Education and Human Performance: Lindsey Smith of Chester.

• College of Sciences: Kamden Dulesky of Bridgeport.

• College of Liberal and Creative Arts: Lauren Anderson of Canton.

• Graduate Studies: Evelyn Frobey of Pawleys Island, S.C.

University President W. Franklin Evans, who presided over the ceremony, asked graduates to remember their time spent at WLU and the memories made.

“Please know that you’ll truly be missed,” he said. “You will not be forgotten. Be proud of your accomplishments. A degree from WLU represents a solid education and will allow you to grow, personally, professionally and socially.

“Stay in touch with faculty, staff and classmates,” he continued. “Visit the campus often. Make it a priority to support your alma mater. It is, and always will remain, a home of yours forever and ever. There is no place like home. We wish you the best in the endeavors of your life.”

The commencement ceremonies can be found on TopperStation.com.

Local students receiving undergraduate degrees included: Miranda Six and Lindsey Smith of Chester; Carly Rusza Balog and Gilbert Rice III of Follansbee; Carrie Bise, Brae Jackson Bryant, Leah Caparros, Danielle DiBacco, Dylan Golden, Hayden Heiserman, Jamaal Petteway, Richelle Weaver and Colton Yarter of Weirton; Haily Boyce, Jason Freshwater, Madyson Gretchen, Karleigh Kowcheck and Laken Lambert of Wellsburg; Devyn Carpenter of Hammondsville; Logan Starr of Hopedale; Tiffany Thompson of Mingo Junction; McKenzie Morrison of Richmond; Patrick Bortner of Steubenville; and Adam Ballato of Wintersville.

Receiving master’s degrees were Traci Ensminger of Colliers, Rebekkah Haught and Raleigh Mason of Follansbee; Tina Edwards, Kelly Haynes, Isabella Perrone, Kenna Thompson and Tina Viakley Weirton; Sarah Shafer of Wellsburg; Ryan Stackhouse of Bloomingdale; Samantha Raber of Hopedale; Morgan Deluca Figurski and Kayla Hungerman of Rayland; Brandy Devereaux of Steubenville; and Ryan Hotlosz of Tiltonsville.