They came. They saw. They conquered.
And now, 3,652 newly-minted West Virginia University graduates are off to repeat that formula again for their next era.
But first, a time to reflect and celebrate was in order, namely the 2026 May Commencement.
It also marked President Michael T. Benson’s first May Commencement, in which he attended all nine ceremonies and shook the hands of every graduate who crossed the stage.
Between the hugs, handshakes, laughter and tears, the Class of 2026 took in these words of advice from Benson during the ceremonies:
“We all have moments of doubt. It’s not the doubt that defines you. It’s what you do next.
“Your bold future started here.
“When you walk out the doors today, you join a Mountaineer Alumni family that is more than 200,000 people strong worldwide — all people who are proudly rooting for you.
“And, as Mountaineers everywhere say, ‘Let’s Go!’”