Nearly 350 Degrees Awarded During
BSC’s 2008 Commencement

(Bluefield)--Nearly 350 degrees were conferred during Bluefield State College’s 110th commencement exercises at the Brushfork Armory, May 10. Approximately 3000 people attended the program.

Dr. Brian Noland, Chancellor/West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission provided the keynote address.  He challenged and encouraged the Class of 2008.  “Tell others how you were able to achieve your dream,” he said.  “Find ways to give back and improve the lives of others.  In the process, you will enrich your life, as well.”

The audience of family members and friends of graduates and community residents also received greetings from Bluefield State College President Dr. Albert Walker, BSC Board of Governors' chair The Reverend James Palmer, BSC Alumni Association President Dr. Joseph F. Lewis, BSC Student Government President Chris Majors, Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Bernadette Dragich, and Staff Council Chair Lisa Neel.

Natasha Lee McMann (Bachelor’s degree in Social Science) of Marlinton, WV is the Class of 2008 valedictorian and Tammy Marie Blankenship (Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration) of Princeton, WV is the salutatorian.

Sandra L. Payne, Assistant Professor of Nursing, was named the "Bluefield State College Foundation Outstanding Faculty Award" recipient for 2008, and BSC senior Gene Whitlow was selected to receive the "Brian Delp Service Leadership Award."

Ten members of the BSC Class of 1958 returned to their alma mater to participate in the program on the golden anniversary of their graduation. BSC Alumni Association President Dr. Joseph Lewis also administered the alumni oath to all members of the graduating class of 2008.

May 10, 2008

Graduation Photos by Steve Jesse, Associated Photography