Every spring, students, faculty, staff, and alumni at West Virginia University Potomac State College are recognized by their peers, professors, and alumni. The 2025 Recognition Day Awards ceremony recently honored the following:
Hartley VanGilder named Outstanding Student of the Year
KEYSER, W.Va. — WVU Potomac State College is proud to announce that Erin Cunningham has been named the 2025 Outstanding Professor of the Year, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to teaching, service, and student success.
Professor Cunningham, a longtime faculty member in the STEM division, is widely known for her ability to break down challenging scientific concepts into approachable lessons that resonate with students. Understanding that STEM subjects often involve difficult material and unfamiliar terminology, she has embraced a student-centered approach rooted in empathy, accessibility, and encouragement.
Approximately 150 students walked across the stage in the Church-McKee Arts Center
on the WVU Potomac State College campus to receive a degree(s) in their chosen
field of study. Congratulations graduates!!
College graduation marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another journey in the lives of students who have achieved that milestone, which was the case May 10, at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
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.
West Virginia University Potomac State College recently held the Student Scholarship Recipient & Donor Luncheon on the Keyser campus. Donors and student recipients were given the opportunity to tell their stories to one another, including how scholarships helped them stay focused and succeed during their time at PSC.
Dinese Harris was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year
at West Virginia University Potomac State College. WVU PSC Campus President Dr.
Jerry Wallace presented the award.
Dinese Harris was recently named the 2025 Outstanding Staff Person of the Year at West Virginia University Potomac State College. Harris began her career at the College in 2006, serving as a campus service worker for nearly 18 years.
Nixin Ponturo (right), an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is
presented with the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University
Potomac State College by PSC Biology Instructor Farren Smith.
Nixin Ponturo, an elementary education major from Centreville, Va., is the recipient of the April Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
If you have been out and around town, you may have noticed the increase of Potomac State College’s presence in the community! We have been intentionally focusing our efforts on the mission statement—specifically, how we “…provide access to a better life for all West Virginians.” As both a community partner and economic driver for our region, PSC plays a vital role in shaping a successful future for all stakeholders. This month’s op-ed highlights our community connections and the importance of bridging the past with the present to improve our future.
Sara Alaoui (left), a general studies major at West Virginia University Potomac State
College, was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for March 2025, by
PSC English Professor Deanna Armentrout.
Sara Alaoui, a general studies major from Bunker Hill, W.Va., is the recipient of the March Catamounts Climb Higher Award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.