GLENVILLE, W.Va. – Officials at Glenville State College are planning a special recognition ceremony to honor several outstanding bluegrass music masters. On Friday, February 1 GSC will present honorary doctorates to Mac Wiseman, Bobby and Sonny Osborne, Buddy Griffin, Jesse McReynolds, and Jim McReynolds who will be recognized posthumously. The hooding ceremony will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee.

In late 2018, GSC Assistant Professor of Music and Bluegrass Music Program Director Dr. Megan Darby traveled to Nashville to hand-deliver letters announcing the honor to several of the musicians and their families.

“The first generation of bluegrass masters have left such a legacy for us to study, and it was an honor to be given the opportunity to hand deliver the invitations to participate,” said Darby. “The most powerful thing for me about bluegrass music is that I have memories of watching and sharing the stage with many of these pioneers. Our students still have an opportunity to meet and learn from this amazing generation.”

“Honorary doctorates are among the highest accolades that an institution can bestow upon individuals. We need to take the time to properly honor those who have done outstanding things for society and the greater good. These degree presentations are Glenville State’s way of showing our gratitude to these bluegrass masters for all they’ve done for the genre and, by extension, our former and current bluegrass students,” said Glenville State College President Dr. Tracy Pellett.

The event will take place at the Ford Theater inside the Country Music Hall of Fame beginning at noon on February 1.

For more information, contact Darby at (304) 462-6355.