Waynesburg University held its Commencement Exercises Sunday, May 4, on the Lawn of Miller Hall, honoring nearly 300 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.
Toby Z. Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer of EQT Corporation, addressed the Class of 2025 as the Commencement speaker, and Jeffrey E. Arnold, Executive Director of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities (APCU), served as the Baccalaureate speaker.
During the Commencement Address, “You Don’t Have to Know, You Just Have to Begin,” Rice reflected on his own unconventional journey, from chimney sweeping and oil rigs to co-founding Rice Energy and leading a major energy company.
Rice emphasized that traditional advice like hard work, innovation, risk-taking, and luck weren’t responsible for his success. Instead, he highlighted the power of perseverance, encapsulated in the word “almost.”
When you’re doing bold things, it’s going to be difficult, and you are going to come to a place where you almost lose faith, you almost give up, but it’s important to keep moving forward."
“When you’re doing bold things, it’s going to be difficult, and you are going to come to a place where you almost lose faith, you almost give up, but it’s important to keep moving forward,” Rice said.
Rice and Arnold were awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees during the Commencement ceremony.
Hailey Mark, an English (professional writing) major from Canonsburg, was named the valedictorian and delivered the valedictory to the University. Seth Robertson also gave remarks as the graduate program representative.
In addition, Ross Owens, a children and youth ministries major from Sewickley, was awarded the 2025 Douglas G. and Kathryn D. Lee Servant Leadership Award. This award was established by the Waynesburg University Board of Trustees to honor the leadership and commitment of Douglas and Kathryn Lee to the University. It is awarded each year to one graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities over the course of their time at Waynesburg University in the mission focus areas of faith, learning and serving.
During the Baccalaureate ceremony, the focus of Mr. Arnold’s message, “Blessed are the graduates, For They Shall...” was Matthew 5:3-12.
Mr. Arnold urged each graduate to view their career and character not as separate pursuits, but as intimately connected facets of their divine calling.
“In practical terms,” he said, “this means continually asking yourself: How can my work be an expression of love, service, and integrity? How can I let my inner virtues shape the way I engage the world? And, finally, how might my journey evolve if I were to view each job and every task as an opportunity to serve a higher calling…rather than merely a stepping-stone to greater success?”
About Waynesburg UNIVERSITY
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
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