For West Virginia University students, the end of a calendar year is special for more than winter break: it marks the Commencement of another class of Mountaineers.
On December 20, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics celebrated the class of winter 2025 at the Hope Coliseum in Morgantown. Crossing the stage, x students – x undergraduates and x graduates – met President Michael T. Benson, who was conducting his first WVU Commencement.
The students left the stage with not only a diploma, but also the knowledge they’ll need to make their marks in West Virginia and around the world.
“Wear a Flying WV out in public, and wherever you are, you’ll be sure to hear someone you’ve never met say, ‘Let’s Go,’” said Josh Hall, Milan Puskar Dean of the Chambers College.
“Someday, you might be the one saying that to a complete stranger. Those two simple words embody the persistence, energy, and courage that got you to this point. Those qualities will sustain you throughout your life, and they'll sustain others – your families, friends, coworkers, and communities – when they look to you for guidance and support.”
However, Commencement isn’t just about what comes next. It’s also about the journeys that brought this year's graduates to this point. These four students embody the Mountaineer spirit in their determination to pursue a business education and elevate their fields.
Alia Ott takes the reins of the supply chains
“I loved that WVU was close to home and had so many opportunities. I didn't know exactly what I was going to be doing yet.”
It didn’t take long for Alia Ott to figure that out. Thanks to Professor John Saldanha, she discovered her passion for Supply Chain Management and quickly excelled in the program, notching two award-winning case competition performances and working as a Wehrle Global Supply Chain Scholar and Chambers Student Ambassador.
Kylee Reyes faces down bank fraud
“I had a lot of light bulb moments. Getting to do the coursework at WVU, I was exposed to different types of financial fraud. I know I'll be able to apply the skills I've learned in my day-to-day job.”
Driven by her family’s law enforcement history as much as her professional ambitions, Kylee Reyes enrolled in the Chambers College’s Forensic and Fraud Examination master’s degree program. Now, she’s continuing her investigation career with all the tools a professional accountant needs.
Robert Leary studies the big picture of economics and law
“I took a class on real estate law here, in the Chambers College, as well as antitrust law and government business. I think the mind you have to have for economics is pretty related to law: you have to be logical.”
With the legal field as his destination, Robert Leary decided to pursue an Economics degree in the Chambers College. Combining that with his interest in history, he gained a comprehensive knowledge of the big-picture principles he’ll need to practice law.
Grace Bowersox builds her social media career, post by post
“One day, I posted a video, and my friends told me to make my account public because they were sure it would go viral. I took their advice — and it did. That’s what really started it for me.”
That new post at the top of your feed might be the work of Grace Bowersox, a Marketing major and budding social media master. While completing her studies at WVU, she's earned more than 100 million impressions across TikTok and Instagram and built a community of over 42,000 followers.
-WVU-
AM 12/20/25
MEDIA CONTACT:
Andrew Marvin
Senior Communications Specialist
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
andrew.marvin@mail.wvu.edu
