Keep moving forward. Don’t be afraid to fail. Believe you can do something that nobody else has ever done - these were some of the top ten pieces of advice keynote speaker Ronna Mathias Monseau left with the over 200 students that graduated at Potomac State College’s 105 commencement ceremonies Saturday.
Kicking off the ceremony with the traditional singing of the National Anthem, retired music professor of 39 years Richard Davis says he is always invited back to conduct the anthem.
“I’ve done it for so many years,” said Davis. “It’s a good chance to schmooze with a few faces and see some old buddies. I’m glad to do it.”
Faculty chair Phillip D. Douthitt addressed graduates with the faculty farewell,  quoting past icons and present television personalities.
“Albert Einstein once said, ‘Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,’” said Douthitt. “I’ll leave you with a quote from ‘South Park’: ‘Saying goodbye doesn’t mean anything. It’s the time we spent together that matters.’ Farewell.”
Monseau, a 1989 graduate of Potomac State College who went on to West Virginia University where she received a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1991,  received the Outstanding Emergency Medicine Student award at the WVU School of Medicine in 1996.
She currently works as an emergency physician with WVU Hospitals and Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown, the United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, and Potomac State College in Keyser.
Monseau described her start at Potomac State College as a “smart move.”
“I’m very lucky to have started here at Potomac State College,” said Monseau. “My mom, my dad, my sister and even my pap all started here at Potomac State.”
Several faculty members who were teaching in 1989,  when Monseau attended, are still managing the classroom.
“You guys got to enjoy a very dedicated faculty, with a lot of the same faculty that was here when I graduated,” she said.
A triathlete, Monseau has participated in numerous Ironman Triathlons, something even her husband didn’t believe she could do.
“When I told him I was going to compete, he asked me how it was possible when I only had three weeks to train,” said Monseau “I told him I was going to just keep moving forward.”
Monseau said if students just “keep moving forward” they will eventually reach their goals.
As a doctor, Monseau emphasized the importance of making time for healthy eating and exercise.
Other pieces of advice included embracing change, playing hard and smiling, surrounding yourself by positive people, remembering who you are and where you came from, and appreciating what you have.
“Don’t just settle and stay comfortable,” concluded Monseau. “I encourage you to run, walk when you must, and alternate your feet. If you fall, get back up, and if you are injured, I know a great urgent care center opening this fall.”
Campus Provost Kerry S. Odell presented the closing remarks saying “Potomac State College is a place that cares for students that come here to learn.”
“This is truly not only a great place to be a student but to be a faculty and staff member as well,” said Odell.  “This day marks the end of your tenure at PSC but the beginning of a lifetime of membership with the PSC Alumni Association.”
This year marked the first time Potomac State College graduated Bachelor of Arts business management students. This bachelor degree program joins the already established four-year criminal justice studies program that graduated its first class last year.