By: Macy Menefee

Wesleyan is known for it’s small campus and homey feeling, which is what draws in many students, and the success they have after graduation.

Choosing what school to attend can be a difficult decision to make, but for some its easy and can hit close to home. William “Bill” Cartwright is a Buckhannon native who studied biology and chemistry to continue school at WVU Medicine earning his position as a family medical practitioner at Cornerstone Healthcare in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

“I needed a small private college that would prepare me for a larger university. There is no doubt that I would have drowned going large as a freshman,” said Cartright. This and the matter that it was most cost-efficient for him tied into his decision to attend. Wesleyan also provided a path through their biology and chemistry department that has now grown into a pre-med path that many students on campus enroll in to prepare them for their future education.

The biology department was ran by Dr. Kathy Gregg and chemistry was ran by Dr. Allen Hamner. Both of these professors were Bill’s mentors during his time at the school, they provided encouragement and prepared him for the continuous education career he was on. These departments today are ran by Kim Bjorgo-Thorne and Joanna Webb, both of which still provide overwhelming amounts of support for their students and build on the list of connections previously established. The positive of this program is the impact that it has for being, “instrumental in preparing [students] for the next level of education.” said Cartwright.

Despite the challenging academic load making friends posed no threat. Through roommates, residence floors and buildings, and classes a friend group was created in no time; they called themselves the “Illustrious Golden Beavers” and gave each other code names to sign off on, some even got a beaver tattooed on them in commemoration of the group.

After the 21 years that have since passed from his graduation, he still maintains the bonds that were formed during his time here. They used to meet more often, but as they got married and had children these gatherings slowly dissipated. Wesleyan has made such an impact on their groups and the stories they have to tell that 2 of their children have followed a suit to attend and earn their own degrees and create their own memories. 

“Don’t take ANYTHING for granted. Make the most out of every day for it really will go so fast. Work hard and toward a goal, but….have LOTS of fun on the way,” says Cartwright.

Photo Credit: Bill Cartwright