114th Commencement
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ELKINS -- Pouring rain prevented the traditional graduating seniors' processional from outdoors into Harper-McNeeley Auditorium from taking place, but the showers still couldn't put a damper on the 114th Davis & Elkins College Commencement Ceremony Saturday morning.
Although it began indoors in the Myles Center for the Arts, the processional was still led by the West Virginia Highlanders of Davis & Elkins College, followed by the class of 2023 wearing their caps and gowns.
The ceremony's keynote speaker was Sarah Biller, Executive Director of Vantage Ventures. Her father, Randall Biller, is a 1964 Civil Engineer graduate of Davis & Elkins College who still resides in Elkins today.
"Next year will be my father's 60th anniversary of graduating from Davis & Elkins College," Biller said during her commencement speech Saturday.
"My father still encourages me on every hike, every dinner, and when I hang up the phone, to not live under a rock. I hope your parents encourage you the same."
"D&E challenges students to cultivate the intellectual, creative, ethical, physical and leadership skills the real world requires," Biller said.
"D&E definitely prepared my father for that world. Undeniably, his education here was a great door-opener, as it will be for you.
"Through his experience, and my own, I've learned some unexpected lessons. An open door is no different than a wall if you don't do anything with it.
"Today, I want to impress upon you that the most important decision you will make is simply to do something," Biller said. "Something when an opportunity arises – and perhaps more importantly, when that opportunity doesn't come to you ...
"You will likely meet countless people who will allow external forces, whether macro or micro, to determine their future. Don't be that person. You are wonderfully made and uniquely talented. You have the basic building blocks to do something impactful with the forces that confront you. And the world needs you."
Biller created the first graduate level curriculum course on the evolution of Financial Technology at Brandeis University. She has held positions with: State Street Bank's Global Exchange division and Head of Innovation Ventures; Fidelity Investments; MCI's corporate venture team; and launched and led research divisions for Fortune 500 CFO's and treasurers at the Corporate Executive Board.
During Saturday's ceremony, D&E President Chris Woo presented an honorary degree to Biller, as well as an honorary degree to Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, the speaker for the baccalaureate service on Friday.
The Class of 2023's Valedictorian was Brianna Marie Rose and the Salutatorian was Samantha Joann Bykofsky.
The Purdum-Goddin Distinguished Graduate was Anna Marie Ruf.
The Highest Ranking Bachelor of Arts Graduate was Brianna Marie Rose, and the Highest Ranking Bachelor of Science Graduate Darrel Laron Henderson II.