HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Never make excuses. Use your time well. Act decisively. Don’t fear mistakes, but learn from them. Choose happiness. Be kind.

These were the words of advice passed down by keynote speaker Dr. Judith Silver to more than 1,000 graduates who were honored Sunday during Marshall University’s annual Winter Commencement at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Among the 1,077 students who received degrees were 695 undergraduates and 379 with graduate degrees.

About 450 students participated in the ceremony…