Monday, May 19, 2025
Celebration Season
Congratulations to the WVU Potomac State College Class of 2025! I applaud this group of graduates as they persisted through a post-COVID higher education experience, which likely required online learning and remote meetings. We had more than 150 graduates on Saturday, May 10, who were celebrated and congratulated by family members, friends, and the Catamount Community.
One of the ceremony's highlights was the keynote address shared by Brandon Liller,
a PSC graduate. I had the pleasure of meeting Brandon at the Mineral County Ham,
Bacon, and Egg Auction in March. Like most PSC students do when they meet me, Brandon
shared his story and connection to PSC. After visiting with him, I asked if he
would consider speaking at graduation. To be honest, I left the keynote portion
out because public speaking can be daunting.
Brandon accepted the invitation, and at graduation, he did not leave a dry eye
in the audience. His story of resilience, dedication, hope, and family spoke to
the fear most of us have about getting back up when we meet obstacles. As a non-traditional
student, born and raised here in Keyser, Brandon’s journey showed the power of
a strong community. The WVU Potomac State College Commencement Ceremony is now
available for viewing on
YouTube.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
The Wallace family’s first community egg hunt was fun for all ages! The free event allowed attendees to find 5,000 eggs with candy, cash prizes, and gift cards. Thank you to all who donated and volunteered to make this event happen. We are eager to make this an annual event for our community.
Dr. Wallace with daughter
Kennedy
Families enjoying the egg
hunt.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
The Catamounts were recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Athletes in Service, highlighting the absolute best of what WVU has to offer regarding community engagement. The Outstanding Athlete(s) in Service Award for Excellence in Community Engagement is presented by the WVU Center for Community Engagement to recognize athletes at all campuses in the West Virginia University system who have gone above and beyond, demonstrating the ability to build capacity within higher education through civic engagement and community service. Kudos to PSC Athletic Director Mandi Larkin and her teams for encouraging a volunteering spirit on our campus and throughout the community!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23
Assistant men's basketball coach Brady Folk was promoted to head coach, as announced by the WVU Potomac State Athletic Department. Folk served as assistant coach for three years under former head coach Ryan Streets.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
The PSC Student Scholarship Recipient & Donor Luncheon commemorated the achievements of our outstanding students and recognized the generosity of our donors. This event is a testament to the power of education and philanthropic support. Thank you, WVU Potomac State College Alumni Association President Sabrina Cave, and the Alumni Association Board, for collaborating with the PSC Office of Development to host this event!
Dr. Wallace with mascot
PAWS and PSC students
PSC Student Scholarship
Recipient & Donor Luncheon
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Athletic Director Mandi Larkin shared these photos of the Catamount Community coming together to keep the playing fields dry. We needed a lot of help after the downpour on Thursday, April 24. Professors, police officers, and staff members joined our players and coaches, working to make the fields playable.
“Thank you, everyone, for all your hard work!” ~ Athletic Director Mandi Larkin
MONDAY, APRIL 28
The Mineral County Board of Education Student Achievement Awards, hosted by Potomac Valley Hospital, honored the top ten percent of seniors in our county. It was great to mingle with the Mineral County High School administration and even meet some of the students coming to PSC this fall. Check out the photo of the future PSC Catamounts from Mineral County. Let’s go, Catamounts!
TUESDAY, APRIL 29
The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Dinner featured Senator/Lt. Governor Randy Smith, along with Delegates Gary Howell and Rick Hillenbrand. It was an excellent and informative event hosted by the Mineral County Chamber President Katie Gattens and her team. Thank you, WVU Potomac State College leaders, for attending and supporting this event.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year: Congratulations to Dinese Harris, who was awarded the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year! Classified staff held a celebration luncheon to announce the Outstanding Classified Staff Member. Dinese Harris was nominated for her positive attitude, willingness to help, excellent work ethic, and teamwork. Dinese has been with WVU Potomac State College for nearly 18 years, and we are proud of her work!
Dinese Harris (l) with PSC
President Jerry Wallace
Quad Fest: Students filled The Quad for the annual festivities held on campus before finals. Quad Fest includes food, games, a DJ, crafts, and tons of laughs! A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen—and to everyone who brought the fun! Immediately following the luncheon, I was summoned to the dunk tank. I participated in a full suit, so it was important to pick my least favorite suit, shirt, and tie for the tank.
Dr. Wallace, dunk tank
survivor, and PSC student Telina Boyles
THURSDAY, MAY 1
The 74th Annual National Day of Prayer Breakfast, hosted by Francis Jones, brought together community members for fellowship and prayer. Thank you for the invitation and the opportunity to connect with so many citizens. I’m happy to see Francis was able to get her White Horse!
FRIDAY, MAY 2
The Potomac State Baseball team wrapped up its season and hosted the Region 20 Division I Baseball Tournament. The Catamounts logged 22 wins and 292 runs this season. Chris Harbert, Braden Sloan, Reilly Bubb, and Evan Jenkins were all named to the All-Tournament Team.
SUNDAY, MAY 4
The WVU Potomac State College 85th Recognition Day highlighted some of our brightest students. As president, I had the pleasure of presenting the Outstanding Student Award to none other than Hartley VanGilder. Hartley is a student-athlete, an excellent scholar, and a very personable leader. She graduated with both an associate and a bachelor’s degree. As part of the award, Hartley was able to address her class at the PSC graduation ceremony.
MONDAY, MAY 5
The Catamounts Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards (CESPYs) were hosted at PSC, honoring our stellar student athletes. PSC Athletic Director Mandi Larkin and the athletic department completed an innovative ceremony recognizing our athletes. Two winners were chosen for each category, and they include:
- Freshman of the Year: Addison Lease (Women’s Cross Country), and Lex Wescott (Baseball)
- Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Hartley VanGilder (Women’s Soccer), and Paul Knotts (Esports)
- Catamount Culture Award: Jamie Kelly (Softball), and DJ Thompson (Men’s Basketball)
- Athletes of the Year: Chloe Greise (Softball), and Cam Wilkes (Men’s Basketball)
FRIDAY, MAY 9
Outstanding Professor of the Year: The four finalists for Outstanding Professor of the Year are Rachel DelSignore, Erin Cunningham, Ajaya Warrier, and Joshua Carder. And the Outstanding Professor of the Year is—Erin Cunningham! In her acceptance speech, Erin highlighted the “people” of PSC as well as the students for being her motivation! The PSC faculty is instrumental in giving our students a feeling of connection to the PSC culture. Erin is just one of many dedicated faculty members at WVU Potomac State College.
(l-r) PSC President Jerry
Wallace, Rachel DelSignore, Erin Cunningham, Ajaya Warrier, Joshua Carder, and
Academic Dean Phil Douthitt
Graduation Practice: Graduates arrive at the Church-McKee Arts Center to prepare for their big day! Graduation practice provided everyone with the opportunity to ask questions, work through logistics, and have a little fun! Practice makes perfect as the students get the chance to walk across the stage and even fake the photo at rehearsal.
SATURDAY, MAY 10
Catamount Pride grows with each graduating class, and we congratulate the WVU Potomac State College Class of 2025! Thank you to the Catamount Community for an incredible first graduation experience as the PSC Campus President. You can view the full commencement on the PSC YouTube Channel.
Dr. Wallace (l) and
Graduate Brandon Liller (r)
SUNDAY, MAY 11
The Catamount Softball team traveled to CCBC Catonsville for the NJCAA Region 20 and Mid-Atlantic District Championships. The team defeated Frederick, College of Southern Maryland, and CCBC Catonsville to win yet another title. With the win, they also punched their ticket to the NJCAA World Series in Oxford, Alabama. A send-off party was held at North Branch Pub on Friday, March 16, to wish them luck!