New traditions and a new look, too!

Pierpont Community & Technical College celebrated it's first independent spring commencement on Friday, May 15. What a wonderful evening! It was truly inspiring to place the focus on our students and their achievements. A time to reflect on our history, our name and to unveil a new icon to represent our institution.

Nearly 90 students participated in the commencement ceremony. They came from all walks of life. Some came to Pierpont directly from high school. Others came to Pierpont from the school of hard knocks. But they all came to the Feaster Center on Friday night proud of their accomplishments and excited about their futures.

Pierpont's Spring Commencement was the second separate ceremony observed by our college. The first was in December 2008. And, like at the December ceremony, we learned a little about the Pierpont story from Julia Pierpont herself. She came and shared the living history and helped us realize the importance and power of the Pierpont name. Professor Emerita JoAnn Lough, who brought Mrs. Pierpont to life, began her remarks with these words "to be remembered is to live on in history." Francis Pierpont transformed our state with his leadership, vision and contributions just as our graduates, faculty and staff transform it still today. And with their contributions we continue to build and celebrate the Pierpont legacy.

As part of the ceremony, Board of Governors Chair James Griffin and President, Blair Montgomery unveiled the new Pierpont logo. When asked why a new logo was needed President Montgomery remarked " Pierpont Community & Technical College is a special place and deserves a special insignia to respresent it and all that it does for the people of West Virginia." The new logo embodies growth, change, community and flexibility. It incorporates technology and arts and crafts. It shares some elements with the logo of Fairmont State, just as we share main campus, but has it's own look and feel as we have our own distinct mission. Pierpont is indeed a special place, with a special history and a name of distinction. We should all be proud to be part of the Pierpont family.

Pierpont Honors Outstanding Students

The Colebank Gymnasium was packed on Friday, April 24 as Pierpont Community & Technical College hosted its Annual Awards Banquet to recognize and honor outstanding students and faculty. President Blair Montgomery remarked that it is easy to see why he loves his job because he gets the priviledge of working with talented and gifted faculty and students everyday.


More than 30 students were recognized for their achievements. Each was introduced by faculty from their program of study. It was amazing to sit and listen to the stories of the students being honored. Some drive more than 50 miles just to come to class. Many manage the competing responsibilities of work, family and class. Some had overcome great loss - of employment, of a loved one - and were moved to go back to school to make a better life for themselves. It was inspiring.


Mary Stockinger was awarded the Women of Pierpont scholarship. First Lady Sue Montgomery shared Mary's winning essay with the crowd and there was not a dry eye to be found. She was a non-traditional student who was encouraged by her husband to go back to school. He convinced her that she could be successful in college and she has been. Despite managing the demands of her family and home responsibilities, Mary has maintained a 4.0 GPA since her return to school.


Taylor Pyles, a graduating senior from Hundred High School in Wetzel county, was named the first Pierpont Board of Governors Scholar. Taylor will begin the Veterinary Technology program this fall. She was selected to receive the award based on her application, essay, recommendations and personal interview. The Board of Governors scholarship is a full-ride scholarship that covers tuition & fees, room & board and provides a $1000 textbook stipend. One award is made annually to a Pierpont student. To qualify, students must be WV residents and must receive the PROMISE scholarship.