Buddy Griffin, Glenville State College Director of Bluegrass Music Program, received a surprise award on behalf of Governor Joe Manchin III at the GSC commencement ceremony May 9th. Griffin was awarded the Distinguished West Virginian Award. When asked about this tremendous award, Griffin said, “I was deeply honored and humbled to receive the award. It was even more meaningful that it was presented at our GSC commencement. I'll have to spend the rest of my life just to live up to such an accolade.”

Griffin served as a volunteer to the GSC Fine Arts Department from 1997-2002 and has been a full-time employee ever since. Griffin grew up in Summersville and moved to Sutton during high school. He now resides in Cox’s Mill, WV. He is a 1971 alum of Glenville State College and a regular on the Grand Ole Opry Stage in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Glenville is so much like home to me. I feel like I grew up here. Of all the things I’ve done in my life, I feel as though teaching young folks about their traditional musical heritage is my best position in my life. I am very fortunate to be able to do what I love and Glenville State College has made that possible,” Griffin stated.