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Taste of Black History Dinner
The WVU Potomac State College Black Student Alliance and Title III hosted their annual Taste of Black History dinner on February 18 in the Davis Conference Center. The ASALH (founders of Black History Month) theme this year was “Commemorations,” as this year marks one century of celebration, remembrance, and honor.
The College's President, Dr. Jerry Wallace, was invited to speak at the annual event by Talina Boyles, president and student coordinator of the WVU Potomac State College Black Student Alliance.
“Dr. Wallace is our first African American Campus President here at PSC, and he is someone who has had to overcome many obstacles to be the person he is today,” Boyles said.
As the guest speaker, Dr. Wallace had food, motherhood, and the overall life experience of black women in this country on his mind.
“I would just ask each of you who is in attendance today, whether you know a Black woman and she is your friend or a colleague or a classmate, to just extend a little more grace when you interact with a Black woman in America,” he said. “I would refer to the Malcolm X quote that says the most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. As the third son of a mother who had four children, I watched my mother struggle to get educated and also avoid the ‘benefits cliff.’”
Down on the Farms: Spring Baby Boom
If it's spring, it means there are plenty of newborns arriving on the farms at WVU Potomac State College.
The College's two livestock farms, supported by the agricultural department, are experiencing a bit of a “Baby Boom” this season with 20 calves born to cattle at the Malone Farm in Forth Ashby and 25 kids born to the goats at Gustafson Farm near the Keyser campus.
Sweetest Harvest from College's Maple Trees
The 2026 sugar maple harvesting season at WVU Potomac State College is coming to a close.
Like the wines of Southern California or the South of France, like whiskey production in Tennessee, and even corn or soybean production here in the Appalachian Mountains, every production cycle has its season. And the season for what will be known as the 2025-2026 Catamount Syrup Vintage is ready to be capped, corked, labeled, and stored.
It’s a long and patient process that began some months ago, in the dead of winter, and just as the campus was reopening after holiday break.
“It’s two months’ worth of work,” said Donna Ballard, professor of horticulture, plant and soil sciences, and the PSC Director of Farms. “We normally start in December and then regroup in January, and then we tap the trees and then wait for the maple sap to start running.”
PSC Generates $62.9 Million in Regional Economic Impact
WVU Potomac State College serves as a significant economic engine and vital educational anchor for both the Potomac Highlands and the broader Appalachian region, according to a new study.
The findings are part of a WVU and WVU Medicine comprehensive economic and community impact study. The study, conducted by national consulting firm Tripp Umbach, covers the national and statewide impact of both WVU and WVU Medicine, separately and combined, along with all three campuses and several key units across the system, including Athletics, Health Sciences, Research, and the alumni network.
According to the study, in FY24, the Keyser campus generated a total economic impact of $62.9 million, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for growth, workforce development, and community advancement in rural West Virginia. Of this total, $7.1 million stemmed from direct institutional spending on payroll, operations, and campus investments, which in turn multiplied throughout the regional economy to produce an additional $55.8 million in indirect and induced impacts. This re-spending supports local businesses, suppliers, and service providers in areas such as housing, retail, healthcare, and construction.
123rd Commencement Ceremonies Celebrated
Graduates of two-year and four-year degree programs from WVU Potomac State College were celebrated during the 123rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9.
The program included a performance by the West Virginia Brass Quintet, featuring Joe Walczyk, Matt Barabas, Andrew Scott, Brian Plitnik, and Wesley Calvert.
The graduates were led in Church-McKee Arts Center by the 2026 Outstanding Professor Caitlin Hudgins, and the 2026 Outstanding Student Levi Ferster.
Glorianis Rivera Gonzalez, as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and Sasha Rohr, representing Sigma Phi Omega, served as Marshalls.
The graduate message was delivered by Ferster, while the keynote address was delivered by Admiral Thomas Joe Lopez. The National Anthem was performed by graduating student, Sarah Wharton. PSC President Dr. Jerry Wallace offered his remarks and advice to the class of 2026.
( Note: Links to photos and to watch the ceremony are included in this article. )
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