The College welcomed May, August and December 2020 graduates to participate with May 2021 graduates after more than a year of pandemic restrictions. CPASS celebrated this milestone and the return to the in-person commencement tradition. The ceremonies took place Saturday morning on May 15 and included Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design and Reed College of Media students.
“As you turn your focus to the future, I want you to know that few of us achieve meaningful successes without effort, hard work, a growth mindset, and yes, even failures. If we approach life with the right mindset, these challenges can be some of our most important learning and growth experiences,” Jack Watson, CPASS dean said.
Student Spotlights
Mackenzie Hawkins
Major in Athletic Training, Minor in Sport and Exercise Psychology
Hometown: Shinnston, W.Va.
“CPASS and the Athletic Training program gave me the opportunity to be fully immersed into the athletic training profession through clinical experience. I attended WVU sports practices and games and traveled across the Big 12 conference. I became a part of something bigger than myself, while gaining useful knowledge and skills in the process.”
James McCarty
Major in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Minor in Human Services
Hometown: Clifton, Va.
“Dr. Scott Barnicle has taught me so much inside and out of the classroom. I am forever grateful for the guidance and insight he has given me over the years. Being a peer advisor offered me the opportunity to develop my public speaking skills and opened many doors such as presenting at an Sport and Exercise Psychology Midwest Sport and Exercise Psychology Symposium.”
Olivia Martinelli
Major in Physical Education Teacher Education
Hometown: Upper Township, N.J.
“Drs. Wyant, Tsuda and Taliaferro have been the best professors I could ever have had. They have helped me critique and expand my teaching skills in ways that I will take with me when I become a physical education teacher myself.”
Caden Roberts
Major in Sport Management, Minor in Scholastic Coaching
Hometown: Martinsburg, W.Va.
“Dr. Justin Wartella has played a significant role in both my academic and professional development. He offered guidance, advice and assistance, and provided me with opportunities through the University to develop skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”
Alexis Shura
Major in Sport Management, Minors in Sport Communication and General Business
Hometown: Rochester, N.Y.
“My professors have been incredibly supportive. They were always willing to help me with anything, whether it was for internship opportunities or schoolwork. I had great mentors within WVU Campus Recreation. Both groups ultimately led me to my next steps, and I thank them for their guidance in my success.”
Alec Taylor
Major in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Minor in Human Services/Counseling
Hometown: Rocky Gap, Va.
“The impact Dr. Scott Barnicle had on my college experience cannot be overstated. Dr. Barnicle was the greatest instructor I had at WVU. He taught me what effective learning should look like.”
Rei Watanabe
Major in Sport Management
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
“WVU has one of the best sport management programs in the country. I always dreamed as a kid growing up in Japan of getting involved in a basketball program at a Power Five conference school. My goal is to make Japanese professional basketball league one of the best leagues around the world. I thought it would be great to learn sport management at WVU.”