FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 20, 2016

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GSC's Dennis Pounds presents Olive Smith with her diploma

GLENVILLE, WV - Olive Smith’s graduation from Glenville State College this May will be a day that she remembers fondly for years to come. The 85 years young graduate was to receive her Regents Bachelor of Arts degree along with the rest of the Glenville State College spring graduating class. Smith, although still active, opted not to make the three hour trip to the GSC Waco Center for the ceremony.

Not wanting her to miss out on her graduation, the college asked Dennis Pounds, Vice President for College Advancement, to make the trip to Smith’s home in Groveport, Ohio and make a personal graduation ceremony for her the following Monday, May 9. Having brought the gown, mortar board, and tassel as well as the coveted diploma, all of the pomp, if not all of the circumstance was present.

The diploma presentation came about because Smith’s daughter, Casse Kartman, inquired with GSC’s Registrar’s Office to see if it was possible for her mother to receive her diploma.

Glenville State College was offering classes in the 1980’s through Parkersburg Community College (PCC), as it was known at the time, and Smith was alternating between taking classes from GSC and PCC in those years. She left college in 1989, just hours short of the degree she was pursuing.

After some research, the Registrar’s Office staff determined that Smith was qualified for a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree and was eligible to participate in the May 7 Commencement Ceremony with the Class of 2016. The non-traditional RBA program is sponsored by West Virginia higher education institutions and examines academic background, life experiences, educational ambitions, career goals, and life objectives that are unique to each individual student.

“Education is important; the things I learned in college were lifesaving. It expanded my horizons and a lot of the courses that I took meant a lot to me,” said Smith.

“Glenville State College congratulates Mrs. Smith for receiving this degree and counts her among our many proud graduates. Betsy and I send our well wishes to Olive and her family and hope they enjoyed the personal ceremony that Mr. Pounds brought to Groveport,” said Glenville State College President Dr. Peter Barr.