WHEELING — Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott told Wheeling University’s graduates on Saturday it is their “time to make a difference.”

“What you do now, in times like this, could come to define you for the rest of your lives,” Elliott said.

University President Ginny Favede conferred undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees on more than 200 students during the schoo’s 62nd commencement exercises, held for the first time on Bishop Schmitt Field. Originally slated for May 2, the ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Elliott, who just began his second term as mayor of Wheeling, served as the commencement speaker and was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Elliott told the class, this is a time for action, not a time to sit on the sidelines.

You are living through something that is both remarkable and harrowing,” Elliott said.

“Something that will be talked about for generations to come. And something by which all of us may ultimately be judged by posterity.”

The mayor referenced the 1960s when the nation was in the midst of broad social change.

“Who do you think was the driving force behind that change at the grass roots level? To a large extent, it was young, recent college graduates who were disenchanted with the way things were and who demanded something better. Not only for themselves, but for their brothers and sisters across racial and socio-economic dividing lines,” he said.

“I cannot help but sense an apathy among many of you that I find disconcerting,” he added. “A sense that our politics is broken, all politicians are by definition corrupt, and any active participation in such a failed system is beneath you … Rather than rejecting politics or those who practice it outright, why not try to change both for the better? As engaged citizens. As community leaders. And perhaps, as candidates yourselves. Your only limitation in this regard is your imagination.”

Valedictorian Kenzie Lee Schroer of New Lexington, Ohio, told her classmates the events of 2020 will always be a part of their lives.

“We cannot change (what happened). What we can change, is the way we handle and respond to these events,” she said. “Look at how much we were able to get through. We can use each and every one of these events as motivation to get through whatever challenges come our way. All successes come with some failures, and all positives come with some negatives. The difference between us and others is the way we react to the negatives and implement their outcomes into our lives.”

Schroer said she found a devotion by Christian author Joyce Meyer that was meaningful and shared it with the graduates.

“She says, ‘We will go through things in life, but the things we go through are the very circumstances, challenges, and situations that make us people who know how to overcome adversity. We do not grow or become strong during life’s good times; we grow when we press through difficulties without giving up.’ As Meyer’s words suggest, it is up to us to choose our attitudes and actions during these difficulties.”

Schroer added, “We will be the class that everyone remembers and will always be applauded for our strength and courage during these difficult times. Although things got a little blurry in, what we thought would be the year of perfect vision, we were able to come out on top.”

The valedictorian said everyone may want to hit the delete button on this year, but reminded her classmates, 2020 has been a learning experience.

“As one chapter ends, and the next begins, always remember that you determine the outcome of your life,” Schroer said. “Using these uncertain, difficult, and stressful times for growth will help you push through all adversity, challenges, and hard times that come your way.”

Favede, who received an honorary doctorate of humane letters, told the graduates “this is the day I promised you.”

“Today is your day. You have envisioned goals for yourselves and set yourselves to the task of achieving them, and now, you’ve done it. You have earned the honor and distinction of ‘a college graduate.’ You have all persisted despite the obstacles you encountered and today you should feel great pride for yourselves and gratitude for those family and friends who have helped you in this momentous achievement,” Favede said.

“I am extremely proud of you. I know that wherever you go, the values of your Wheeling University education will shape the world for the better,” Favede said. “Now, as you move on, please remember that you will always be members of the Cardinal family. Wherever your exciting pursuits take you, please come home to your alma mater often to share your news, your memories and your dreams. Most importantly, continue to let your light shine each and every day.”

Rishaun Hall, a member of the Black Student Union and part of the university’s Jesuit Strong program, thanked the president and university “for working diligently to make sure that our dream of walking across this stage became a reality.”

“Class of 2020, I want you to reflect upon how, in the midst of a global pandemic, our school made it possible for us to celebrate one of our most crowning moments in our young professional career,” Hall said. “They said what good came from Nazareth, some would even say what good could come from this pandemic? Well, Class of 2020, this is an auspicious occasion.”

The Philadelphia native said when he came to visit the campus five years ago with Cristo Rey high schools from across the country, he never imagined his “life would truly change forever.”