Imagine a career where you’ve had the honor of celebrating the accomplishments of more than 335,000 graduates. That’s exactly what E. Gordon Gee, retiring president of West Virginia University, has done during his distinguished career.
Earlier this month, Gee capped off his time at WVU by conferring degrees to graduates from the university’s final three colleges — the College of Applied Human Sciences, the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Sciences, and the Eberly Colleges of Arts and Sciences — during ceremonies held at the Coliseum.
With 43 years of experience as a university president at five institutions — including WVU (twice), the University of Colorado, Ohio State University (twice), Brown University, and Vanderbilt University — Gee shared heartfelt words of wisdom with the Class of 2025 as they prepare to embark on their next journey.
“Persisting through change to achieve success is a skill that you have honed, and it will serve you well throughout life,” Gee told the graduates.
“Of all that you learned here, I hope you remember one thing above all — commit to your unique path and enjoy life’s ever-shifting vistas along the way. Through buffeting winds, cling tightly to your sense of purpose. It is an inner compass that will point you in the right direction.”
He also reflected on his own journey, sharing, “Like our graduates, I have reached a turning point this weekend, as I preside over my final commencement at West Virginia University. And if I — at age 81 — believe that my best days lie ahead, our graduates have every reason to face the future with optimism.”
For 16 years — first from 1981 to 1985, and again beginning in 2014 — Gordon Gee has been a passionate and effective ambassador for WVU and West Virginia.
His second term as president has been especially transformative, helping WVU secure its status as an R1 research institution and fostering collaborations like West Virginia Forward with Marshall University and the state. Under his leadership, academic programs have expanded and the university’s impact has grown.
As Gee wisely reminded the Class of 2025, challenges will come, but the lessons learned in college will help guide them forward. And as for Gee himself, with his best days still ahead, we eagerly await what the next chapter will bring.
Join us in wishing E. Gordon Gee the very best as he closes this significant chapter and begins an exciting new journey.
