More than 1,000 students completed their degree requirements from West Virginia University in December.

New graduates and their families celebrated their academic achievements at the Dec. 10 Commencement at the WVU Coliseum. The ceremony included an inspirational speech by Judge Irene Berger WVU alumna and judge for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Kanawha County.

You must take your exemplary education and pay it forward,Berger told graduates.When I speak of �€~paying it forwardtoday, I simply mean using what you have been given here at West Virginia University and doing your very best, in your chosen career or path, to positively impact others. You follow a long line of alums who have paid it forward and distinguished themselves in their various fields.

A McDowell County native, Berger graduated from WVU with a degree in mathematics in 1976 and received her law degree from the WVU College of Law in 1979.

To view a complete transcript of her speech, go tohttp://www.wvu.edu/administration/speeches/berger_dec102006.htm.