WVNCC to hold its 52nd Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) will hold its 52nd annual Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7 p.m. at WesBanco Arena. This year, 234 students are eligible to receive 254 certificates and degrees during the ceremony, including Connie Burris who is the 2024 Class Valedictorian. Mr. Doug Harrison, President & CEO of WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital and WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital, will deliver the Commencement address. The ceremony will also honor Ms. Regina Rinehimer, Partner and Wealth Manager at Kingsview Partners, as the Distinguished Alumni.

Harrison, a healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience, has served in various leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Healthcare Integration and Network Development for WVU Medicine. Harrison earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania.

Burris is graduating with an Associate in Applied Science Board of Governors Degree, alongside certificates in Medical Billing and Coding, and Administrative Medical Assisting. She previously graduated from WVNCC in May 2023 with a certificate in Computer Information Technology Microsoft Applications. Burris serves as Youth Leader and Administrator for Avalanche Youth Ministries. Her husband, Andrew, graduated from WVNCC with a degree in Instrumentation Process Technology in 2022, and they are proud parents to five daughters. Burris will graduate alongside her daughter, America, who is graduating with a degree in nursing. Her daughter Ashley graduated in 2017 from WVNCC with a degree in Surgical Technology, and Alexandra is on the verge of completing the WVNCC Paramedic Program. Her third youngest daughter, Abigail, attended Northern as an Early Entrance student and the youngest member of her family, Addison, aspires to enroll in the Northern Culinary Arts program in the future.           

Rinehimer, originally from Marshall County, WV, has established herself as a prominent figure in the finance industry. She attended West Virginia Northern Community College and Pennsylvania State University, where she studied business and finance. She currently brings over 25 years of experience to her role as a Partner and Wealth Manager at Kingsview Partners in Wyomissing, PA. Rinehimer is recognized for her personalized approach to financial planning and commitment to community causes. In her leisure time, Rinehimer enjoys spending quality moments with her family and friends, particularly her daughter Leigh Anne and grandsons Peyton and Carter.

During the ceremony, WVNCC President, Dr. Daniel Mosser, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. Local musician, Mitch Spurlock, will provide musical selections. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed live on the College’s YouTube channel.