Editor’s note: This article was initially featured in the April 16 print edition of The Yellow Jacket.

Waynesburg University’s annual Baccalaureate and Commencement services are set to take place on May 3. 

Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee spoke about what Commencement means to him. 

“It’s a measurement of time in the life of the university,” Lee said. “Every Commencement, I think back on all the past ones from 1853 and on. The succession of graduates have walked the same path, received their degrees, and gone on and lived their lives. It’s a moment of celebration for this institution.”

Many of the traditions of Waynesburg University’s Commencement have dated back quite some time. According to Lee, Commencement has taken place in the Miller Hall lawn since the building’s inception. 

“When I graduated in 1981, President Marsh stood exactly where I stand now,” Lee said. “The trustees sit in pretty much the same place. The way we walked through the park is the same way too.”

Lee followed up with a special message to the class of 2026.

“I say this every year, but I’m so proud of them,” Lee said. “They continue to impress me more and more each year. They understand the mission, they care for one another. It’s fun to walk up to them and just start talking to them and they’re not afraid to have a conversation. Lots of guests that visit comment on how mature they are.”

Lee said that he enjoys keeping up with students once they become alumni, too.

“I love Homecoming, because they’ll come up and surprise me,” Lee said. “It’s a whole new level of engagement. Sometimes I’ll just see them on the street, and it’s exciting to have those moments.”

The university recently announced the speakers for the two exercises: Gayle Manchin and Rev. Dr. Glen Bell. 

Bell, who will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, is the senior vice president of development for the Presbyterian Foundation. Manchin, the Commencement speaker, is the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

Lee talked about both speakers and what they bring. 

“I met Dr. Glen Bell years ago in Florida,” Lee said. “Having his reflection on the mission of a Christian life and having someone at that high level of leadership here is important.”

“She’s an educator,” Lee said of Manchin. “She was a phenomenal First Lady of West Virginia. She’s the Co-Chair of the ARC, which is really responsible for the economic development for this whole region we live in.” 

Lee is looking for a message from the speakers that could resonate with the audience.

“It’s interesting to listen to the speaker’s lives in the challenges they faced,” Lee said. “It could be an example for all the things students could go through in the years ahead. In addition, I like to hear their insight into things we need in order to be productive and how to be useful members of society.”

Baccalaureate will be held in Roberts Chapel on May 3 at 11 a.m., with Commencement shortly after on the front lawn of Miller Hall at 2 p.m.