The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall graduates turn their tassels during the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete, and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Past Chair of the Marshall University Board of Governors A. Michael Perry speaks during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington prepares to give the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Erica Duffield of Gassaway, W.Va., and others receive a scroll during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Several people gather for Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete, and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Student Body President Matt James speaks during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Blake Racer sings the National Athem during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Several people gather for Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony took place Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete, and philanthropist Chad Pennington attends the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
President Stephen J. Kopp speaks during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Several people gather for Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
The Marshall University Commencement Band performs during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Past Chair of the Marshall University Board of Governors A. Michael Perry speaks during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Several people gather for Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
President Stephen J. Kopp speaks during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Past Chair of the Marshall University Board of Governors A. Michael Perry speaks during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
The Marshall University Commencement Band performs during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington prepares to give the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington receives an honorary degree during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday on May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Several people gather for Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete, and philanthropist Chad Pennington receives an honorary degree during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduates attend the 172nd Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony took place Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony took place Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall alumnus, professional athlete, and philanthropist Chad Pennington gives the commencement address during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony was held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
Purchase this photo
Lori Wolfe/The Herald-Dispatch
Francesca Karle of Chesapeake, Ohio and others receive a scroll during Marshall University's 172nd Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Will Starcher is recognized for his achievements by President Stephen Kopp during the university's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Starcher started at Marshall in 1994, then took an eight-year hiatus, founded the company Arachnovation in 2004, then later resumed his education to reach Saturday's graduation.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Jamar and Marvyn Grayson, identical twins who took nearly every class together toward earning degrees in microbiology, are recognized by President Stephen Kopp during the Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Will Starcher is recognized for his achievements by President Stephen Kopp during the university's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Starcher started at Marshall in 1994, then took an eight-year hiatus, founded the company Arachnovation in 2004, then later resumed his education to reach Saturday's graduation.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall senior Matt McGuire became the first trans-Atlantic dual degree graduate Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, during Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony. McGuire attended not only Marshall, but University of Debrecen in Budapest, Hungary, and the Warsaw School of Social Psychology in Poland. He will also receive a degree from one of those institutions.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University offensive lineman and graduating senior Erik Vint double majored in biology and chemistry and will return this fall to continue playing football and begin his master's degree program. Above, Vint is recognized by President Stephen Kopp during the university's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Adam Cavalier is one of the the most decorated in the class of 2009. While serving on the university's student radio station (WMUL), Cavalier has racked up 93 awards in local and international broadcasting contests. He was named one of the top five collegiate radio sportscasters in the nation and is up for the Jim Nantz Award in June.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Emmanuel Spann listens as former Herd quarterback Chad Pennington delivers Saturday's commencement address during Marshall's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Daniel Howerton was recognized among his peers by President Stephen Kopp on Saturday, May 9, 2009, for overcoming cancer during his college career so that he could graduate on time, during Marshall's 172nd annual commencement ceremony at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Graduating senior Aaron Henson, at left, chats with fellow graduates during Marshall's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Henson, a graduate in the College of Information Technology and Engineering, earned a bachelor of science degree Saturday.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony was conducted Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
Purchase this photo
Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Jared Laxton gives an on-camera interview with a local news station just before the start of Marshall University's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Jason Hager, a Marshall University graduate in the William J. Pitt School of Journalism and Mass Communications, smiles for a photo during Marshall's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall graduate and current Miss West Virginia Jessi Pierson laughs as she is recognized by President Stephen Kopp for finishing her elementary education degree in three and on-half years, graduating Magna Cum Laude on Saturday, May 9, 2009, during the university's 172nd annual commencement ceremony at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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Howie McCormick/For The Herald-Dispatch
Marshall University graduate Daniel Howerton stands among his peers as he is recognized for overcoming cancer during his college career so that he could graduate on time, during Marshall's 172nd annual commencement ceremony Saturday, May 9, 2009, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.
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