HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Mountwest Community and Technical College will honor the achievements of its graduating class at the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, to be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6:00p.m. at Christ Temple Church in Huntington, WV. This year, over 300 graduates will receive degrees and certificates, marking a significant milestone in their educational journeys.
The ceremony will feature Jessica Lynch as the keynote speaker. A former Prisoner of War and West Virginia native, Lynch became a national symbol of courage and resilience after being captured during the Iraq War in 2003. Today, she is an educator, author, and inspirational speaker who continues to serve others through her advocacy and storytelling.
Representing the graduating class as student speaker is Holly Riggs, a Physical Therapy Assistant student whose academic journey embodies the perseverance and dedication celebrated by the Mountwest community. Riggs will share her personal story and words of encouragement with her fellow graduates, faculty, and guests.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and their accomplishments,” said Dr. Joshua Baker, President of Mountwest. “Commencement is a time to reflect on their hard work, perseverance, and the bright future that lies ahead. We are honored to have Jessica Lynch join us and share her powerful message of strength and service.”
To attend the event, you must have a ticket which can be obtained from the Division of Student Services. Doors will open at 5:00p.m. The event will also be livestreamed via Facebook Live.

Media are invited to attend and collect video footage and photos. Media are asked to RSVP by 10 a.m. Friday, May 9th if planning to attend. On-site interviews can be arranged.
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About Mountwest Community and Technical College
Mountwest Community and Technical College’s mission is to prepare students for careers, civic responsibility and lifelong learning. For more than 40 years, Mountwest Community and Technical College has been providing accessible, high- quality educational opportunities focused on high demand career fields, to enrich lives and strengthen the community we serve. Mountwest offers over 50 associate degree programs, 20 certificate programs and 8 skill set programs. Mountwest Community and Technical College is a State Community & Technical College of West Virginia. For more information, visit www.mctc.edu.
Karen Horner Director of Communication and Outreach Horner2@mctc.edu 304.710.3437 |