Statler College Commencement: A celebration of milestones, academic excellence and future leaders

Civil engineering graduate Abby Lansberry celebrating a successful academic career and the excitement of receiving her diploma. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

On Sunday May 18, 432 new Statler alumni join an elite group of innovators and leaders around the globe. The Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources awarded diplomas to 371 undergraduates and 61 grad students, helping them begin their careers and transitions to creating positive change in the world.

Story by Paige Nesbit, director marketing and communications
Photos by Megan Rinker, Matt Sunday and Paige Nesbit
Videos by Kaley LaQuea and Mackenzie Randall

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

“As engineers and computer scientists, you are the problem solvers of a generation,” said Glen H. Hiner Dean Pedro Mago. “You have received a world-class education, and you are well-prepared with the skills, knowledge and expertise to change the world and create a brighter future for generations to come. Stay true to your values, aspire to achieve great things and pursue your passions with purpose.” 

The Statler College celebrated significant milestones during the ceremony.  

Several new academic programs have been launched in the College and one of the most recent — the Engineering Technology program is celebrating its first graduating class this academic year.  

Christopher Smith being recognized as an Order of Augusta recipient. (WVU Photo/Matt Sunday)

WVU recognized two Order of Augusta recipients — biomedical engineering graduate Christopher Smith and mathematics and computer science graduate, Luke Hawranick. This prestigious honor recognizes students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership and significant contributions to WVU, the state and beyond.  

Eight Statler students were selected as outstanding seniors for their achievements in scholarship, leadership and service. Those students include civil engineering student Luke Brumback, chemical engineering students Abbie Lieving and Madison Morgan, biomedical engineering students Riley Coulter and Natalie Keim, industrial engineering students Brianna Buccini and Robert Mente and dual mathematics and mechanical engineering major Davis Funk. 

“As true Mountaineers, they are leading the way and setting a high standard for those who will follow,” stated Mago. 

Dean Pedro Mago, President E. Gordon Gee, Honorary Degree recipient Jon Hammock and WVU Faculty Senate Chair Diana Davis. (WVU Photo/Matt Sunday)

Commencement speaker Jon Hammock, Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering alumnus, was awarded an honorary degree during the ceremony.  

Hammock has been a stalwart financial supporter to WVU, including Athletics, Statler College and Children’s Hospital. He is the founder of KeyLogic, an integrated consulting firm that specializes in critical energy and defense initiatives. Hammock serves on the Statler College visiting committee and the LCSEE visiting committee.  

After receiving his honorary doctorate, Hammock reflected on his acceptance to WVU, the rigorous discipline of a Statler College student and how that journey shaped the professional he has become. 

“As I listened to President Gee read my bio, the truth is I’m reminded that I was not supposed to be here,” said Hammock. “If I had listened to all the people that told me I could not or should not, I wouldn’t be here on this stage receiving an honorary doctorate. It motivated me to prove them wrong.” 

According to Hammock, the challenges as a computer science major were met with support inside of the college and beyond. 

“I was going to be the first person in my family to go to college,” Hammock explained. “But as I soon learned, getting into college was one thing and making it through was quite another. WVU and the Mountaineer community had given me the support, the tools and the belief I needed to push me up that hill. That’s something that we Mountaineers share in common — this amazing community.” 

Curiosity, creativity, hard work and dedication lies within each Statler College student. Their journeys began with a single step into a classroom, lab or student organization. Discover the experiences that shaped their paths as graduates: 

Gabby Tobias (WVU Photo/Megan Rinker)

Mechanical engineering graduate Gabby Tobias’s journey highlights the power of hands-on learning and ambition. Tobias expressed how WVU and the Statler College has encouraged her to explore beyond what she thought was possible. From joining Formula One SAE as a freshman to gaining real-world skills from CAD to welding, Tobias is prepared to step into her new role as a manufacturing engineering for Honda and looks ahead for a bold impactful career. 

Learn more through her "Meet the Grad" video story.  (WVU Video/Kaley LaQuea)

 

Alim Elibol (WVU Photo/Megan Rinker)

Master’s student in Mining Engineering Alim Elibol began her academic journey as a geological engineering student in Turkey. She is now grateful for her time at the WVU, highlighting that the best part of her experience was working with students from diverse cultural backgrounds — an opportunity that led to new friendships, opportunities, and experiences. She is taking her expertise in analyzing the structural integrity of mine pillars to assess the safety of those entering the mines to apply to her new position as a geologist for Freeport-McMoRan in Arizona. 

Learn more through her "Meet the Grad" video story.  (WVU Video/Kaley LaQuea)

 

Abbie Lieving (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

A self-described third generation Mountaineer, chemical engineering major Lieving is graduating as an outstanding senior. During her time at Statler, Lieving has been a dedicated Statler ambassador and member of the Society of Women Engineers, where she served as president this past year. She’ll be joining ExxonMobil in Midland, TX as a facilities and operations engineer. 
Learn more through her Meet the Grad video story. (WVU Video/Kaley LaQuea)

Additional Media:

Instagram Reel of commencement ceremony. (WVU Video/Mackenzie Randall)

View special messages to our graduates from friends and family.

Watch recordings of the Statler College 2025 Commencement ceremony.

View an updated and downloadable WVU Commencement photo gallery.

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