All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Broadcaster, teacher and investment executive to receive WVU honorary degrees during Commencement

New WVU graduates sing “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to close one of two December Commencement ceremonies at the Coliseum, Dec. 16, 2023. (WVU Photo/Hunter Given)

West Virginia University will present Presidential Honorary Degrees to two distinguished alumni and an educator during Commencement ceremonies on December 21 at the Coliseum. The university will also honor two faculty members in these events.

The Presidential Honorary Degree recipients are Hoppy Kercheval, a renowned West Virginia broadcaster, David Riggle, a special education teacher in Tyler County, and Nitin “Nick” Kumbhani, a leading executive in software development and investment management.

Two Commencement ceremonies are scheduled. The 9 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates from the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, College of Creative Arts and Media, College of Law, and Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. During this ceremony, Kercheval and Riggle will receive their honorary degrees.

The 2 p.m. ceremony will celebrate graduates from the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, John Chambers College of Business and Economics, School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, and School of Public Health. Kumbhani will be honored with a Presidential Honorary Degree during this event.

Kercheval, considered the “dean” of West Virginia broadcasters, began his career at WAJR Radio while a student at WVU and graduated in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He later earned a master’s degree and currently serves as vice president of operations for MetroNews. Kercheval has hosted the popular “Talkline” show since 1993 and co-hosts the “3 Guys Before the Game” sports podcast. He is a member of the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Riggle has been recognized for over a decade of educational service in West Virginia. A West Liberty University graduate, Riggle teaches world history and special education math at Tyler Consolidated Middle School, where he also coaches girls’ basketball. He previously taught at Paden City High School, participating in various school roles and volunteering with the Marshall County Special Olympics.

Kumbhani, a WVU alum originally from Mumbai, India, credits the university for its scholarship support during his electrical engineering degree. He found success pioneering ATM software and later founded Apex Capital Management, focusing on investment management. In 2023, he was inducted into the Statler College Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Distinguished Alumni Academy.

The grand marshal for the 9 a.m. ceremony will be Duncan Lorimer, a professor of physics and astronomy in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and a recognized Fellow of the Royal Society. Maura McLaughlin, chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and a National Academy of Sciences member, will preside over the 2 p.m. ceremony.

For more information about WVU Commencement, including links to ceremony livestreams, visit the university’s website.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Randolph County Humane Society plans ‘Paddle for Pets’ kayak float fundraiser in Buckhannon this summer

The Randolph County Humane Society is launching its first-ever “Paddle for Pets” kayak float to raise money for animal care. The June 27, 2026 event will feature a shuttle float and, weather permitting, merch and adoptable pets at the Riverwalk.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice headed to Upshur County this weekend, followed by bitter cold

A major winter storm is set to hit Upshur County starting Saturday, bringing heavy snow, ice, and dangerous wind chills near 10 below.

Election Update: Upshur County and Buckhannon candidate filings as of Jan. 23

The candidate filing period is underway for the May 12, 2026, Primary Election in West Virginia. Here’s a look at who has filed so far for Upshur County and City of Buckhannon offices, plus where and when to file before the Jan. 31 deadline.

B-U ladies to host second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday

Top-ranked, defending state champion Buckhannon-Upshur will host the second annual Bonnie the Buccaneer Beatdown Saturday, featuring 26 teams and many of the state’s top female wrestlers despite the host’s seven-wrestler roster.

Centers Against Violence representatives discuss impact of human trafficking, stalking in Upshur County

Centers Against Violence urged Upshur County leaders to take stalking and human trafficking seriously as the commission proclaimed Stalking Prevention Month and Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Connie Miller Burk

Connie Miller Burk, 72, of Buckhannon, a former WV Wesleyan and Union Drilling employee, loving mother of twin sons Shawn and Shane Miller, and devoted churchgoer, died January 20, 2026, with services Jan. 27.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Madelyn Tucker and Jerin Westfall

The latest Hank Ellis All-Stars are Lady Buc sophomore Madelyn Tucker and Buccaneer senior Jerin Westfall. Tucker powered B-U to a perfect 2-0 week, while Westfall tallied his 1,000th career point.

Winter storm update: Heavy snow, ice expected to cause ‘widespread and significant impacts’ this weekend

Upshur County is under a winter storm watch as heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain threaten major travel and infrastructure impacts from Saturday through Monday.

School bus crashes on Route 20 after hitting black ice; one child taken to hospital

A school bus carrying 25 students slid on black ice on Route 20 Wednesday morning and went off the road, according to Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman. All students were checked at the scene, and one child was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with minor injuries.