May 18, 2009 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – A line of soon-to-be Waynesburg University alumni, dressed in their graduation caps and gowns, meandered through Waynesburg’s Fountain Park Sunday on their way to the commencement stage. A tumultuous economy and uncertain job market wait to greet the 2009 graduates. Waynesburg University, a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, held its 159th baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies, graduating approximately 615 undergraduate and graduate students.

Heather Finnegan, from Holbrook, Pa., waited with her mother before the commencement.

Finnegan, a 2006 graduate of West Greene Middle Senior High School, would be receiving her degree in public relations. After completing her four-year degree in three years, she has yet to find a position in her field.

“This is one of the worst times to be looking for a job, even if you have all of the skills needed,” she said. “The economy makes it tough to do what you want to do.”

Commencement Speaker Cheryl Allen, a Superior Court of Pennsylvania Judge, echoed Finnegan’s concerns.

“These are very trying and difficult times that you are embarking on in your professional careers,” warned Allen, as she addressed the graduates. “It will take character, conviction and commitment to achieve your goals.”

Allen explained that reputation should not be confused with character.

“Reputation is what man thinks about you,” she said. “Character is what God knows about you.”

Ability may help you to reach the top, but character keeps you there, Allen added.

She turned her head toward the graduates as she spoke about the importance of conviction.

“It’s easier to stand for what is easy, popular, comfortable, convenient, beneficial or just plain wrong,” Allen said. “People of conviction stand for what is true.”

Waynesburg University Senior Vice President Richard Noftzger agreed that students face a challenge in today’s economic environment, but the graduates will learn what is needed, adapt to their communities and apply critical thinking, he said.

“For us, what we do is ground (the students) in something bigger than themselves,” Noftzger said. “We teach faith, commitment and responsibility to serve as citizens, neighbors and disciples.”

Allen also emphasized the importance of commitment during her speech.

“People, good people, are people who are committed to faith, family, country and community,” she said. “Being a good person is what is most important.”

Finnegan, committed to finding a position in today’s job market, accepts that recent college graduates may have to take whatever job comes along until they find something in their field of choice.

Despite Finnegan’s struggle to find a full-time position in her field, Finnegan’s mother, Jeanette Martin, is proud of her daughter’s achievements.

“Graduating in four years would have been an accomplishment,” Martin said. “Graduating in three is a big accomplishment and a testament to her dedication and hard work.”

Finnegan commuted to Waynesburg University from her family’s home in Holbrook. She considers learning to build relationships and interacting with her administrators and instructors as the most important part of her education at Waynesburg University.

Martin described her daughter as someone who tackles each of her goals one at a time.

When Finnegan occasionally struggled, Martin offered moral support.

“(Finnegan) had hard days,” Martin said smiling. “So, I’d leave her a flower in her bedroom to cheer her up.”

Following Sunday’s graduation, Finnegan plans to move to State College, Pa., to live with her fianc?, a graduate student at Pennsylvania State University. The couple plan to be married May 30. She plans to continue her search for a full-time public relations position.