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Brandon Liller 2025 Commencement Keynote Speaker

a photograph of Jerry Wallace and Brandon Liller
Brandon Liller (right) with WVU Potomac State College President Dr. Jerry Wallace.

There’s a saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words” which is exactly what this picture depicts, but to learn about each stroke life has painted for Brandon Liller, you’ll need a little background information, but instead of starting at the beginning, let’s begin in the middle.

Liller grew up in Keyser, West Virginia. His mother worked at a local bank and his dad worked at the old Anchor Glass plant. Both of his biological parents and his stepdad have quietly been in his corner, cheering him on and always supporting him no matter what path he chose.

While in high school, Liller thought journalism was his career path, but a month after graduating in 1991, he was employed by Anchor Glass. At the time, he didn’t believe he needed college; after all, he was living at home, making great money, and life felt pretty good.

But four short years later, the plant shut down. “I had bills. I had debt. And I thought the college train had long since left the station,” Liller said.

To continue reading the article, select the icon shown below. Listen to Brandon’s speech online. Scroll the timeline to 21:25 where Dr. Jerry Wallace is introducing Brandon.

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