WVNCC Celebrates Class of 2025 at Commencement Ceremony

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) celebrated its Class of 2025 during a commencement ceremony held Thursday evening, May 15, at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to honor the achievements of this year’s graduates, as 255 students were awarded a total of 274 degrees and certificates.

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Mr. Mateo Jaramillo, co-founder and CEO of Form Energy. Jaramillo has played a pivotal role in the advancement of clean energy technologies, with leadership experience that includes his time at Tesla, where he helped launch the company’s energy storage program. During his address, Jaramillo shared remarks tailored to inspire graduates as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“Congratulations to the WVNCC Class of 2025. Your commitment to growth and learning is a personal achievement—and a building block for something much bigger,” commented Jaramillo. At Form, we’ve learned that real innovation starts with curiosity and a belief that something better is possible. That’s what led us to build our first battery factory in Weirton, and it’s what will carry the Northern Panhandle region forward as we reignite American manufacturing together. I hope you’ll keep asking questions, challenging assumptions, and imagining what’s next—not just for your own future, but for the future of West Virginia.”

WVNCC’s valedictorian, Audrey Orecchio, also delivered remarks to her fellow graduates. “No matter where life takes you, I hope you carry this with you: You showed up. You didn’t give up. You earned this. Every paper you turned in, every test you studied for, and every challenge you faced brought you here, to this celebration of your perseverance. So, as we move forward, let’s carry the best parts of this journey with us: The courage we found, and the belief that we are capable of rising to any challenge.”

Orecchio, a senior at Weir High School, earned her Associate in Arts with a concentration in Psychology, from WVNCC, while also completing her high school education. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and plans to attend Duquesne University in the fall, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Psychology. Audrey ultimately plans to become an attorney.

Dr. Daniel Mosser, President of WVNCC, served as the Master of Ceremonies, offering words of encouragement and congratulations to the graduates. Local musician Mitch Spurlock provided musical selections throughout the ceremony.

“We are incredibly proud of our graduates,” said Dr. Mosser. “Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication—especially in the face of challenges—demonstrate the strength and spirit of the Northern community.”

For those unable to attend in person, the College livestreamed the ceremony on its official YouTube channel, ensuring graduates’ families and supporters across the region and beyond could share in the celebration.