Fall Commencement 2019

More than 900 Bobcats participated in OHIO’s 2019 Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 14.

Story by George E. Mauzy Jr., Video by Chris Smith | December 14, 2019

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More than 900 new graduates participated in Ohio University’s 2019 Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 14, at the Convocation Center on the Athens Campus.

The annual fall ceremony, now held for the fifth consecutive year, included students earning doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s and associate’s degrees from all OHIO campuses and programs.

President M. Duane Nellis told the fall graduates that they should feel proud of themselves because they all worked very hard to graduate.

“I want you to feel confident that the education you received here will serve you well and prepare you for the road that lies ahead,” he said. “Employers will be looking for critical thinkers, good communicators and collaborators, problem solvers and leaders, and you acquired these skills at Ohio University. They are transferable to whatever job you hold, and they will never fail you.”

Dr. Chaden Djalali, executive vice president and provost, told the faculty that the example they have set for the graduates will influence the students throughout their careers, as they build productive and respectful working relationships of their own.

“Your contributions have created a unique and powerful learning experience for the graduates we celebrate today,” he said. “I want to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to teaching, research and service. Your work is the very heart of the mission of Ohio University.”

Dr. Steven Evans, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, delivered the Fall Commencement address. He told the audience that phrases and values often guide our choices in life and can be quite powerful. He said that after considerable thought, he came up with a phrase of his own that he and his wife have shared with his three children, “Be a good friend and hard worker.”

“There is a basic and simple elegance to it,” Dr. Evans said. “Hard work over time is the way to succeed with many things in life – from relationships to careers – and all of you waiting to graduate today have shown that you can be a hard worker.”

Dr. Evans said that being a good friend is also relevant because it impacts how you treat your friends and family during the transition away from being a college student.

“After graduating, many students become so focused on their new situation, new job, new city, and new friends; that they don’t adequately attend to their family relationships. I encourage you to attend to each other and be patient with each other as you go through this transition,” Dr. Evans said.

He assured the graduates that being a good friend and hard worker are things that they can strive to achieve.

“When that is combined with finding your passions and talents, you have a key to happiness,” Dr. Evans concluded.

OHIO’s 2020 Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 1, (graduate degrees) and Saturday, May 2, (undergraduate degrees). For more information, visit www.ohio.edu/student-affairs/commencement/2020-spring-commencement

Photo of commencement audience and stage during the opening of the ceremony.

The beginning of Fall 2019 Commencement ceremony. Photo: Hannah Ruhoff

Graduates standing in the crowd during 2019 Fall Commencement.

Students about to graduate, standing in cap and gown at the start of the Commencement ceremony. Photo: Hannah Ruhoff

Photo of students walking in cap and gown inside convocation center.

Graduates from the George Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs walk onto the floor of the Convo at Fall Commencement. Photo: Eli Burris

A side portrait of Steve Evans delivering a speech on stage during 2019 Fall Commencement.

Distinguished Professor Steve Evans speaks at fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

President M. Duane Nellis delivering a speech at 2019 Fall Commencement

M. Duane Nellis speaks at fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

A student gets congratulations by CHSP Dean Randy Leite

Health Sciences and Professions Dean Randy Leite congratulates a graduate at fall commencement. Photo: Hannah Ruhoff

Carly McFadden waving to the crowd during graduation.

Carly McFadden waves to supporters at fall commencement. Photo: Hannah Ruhoff

Theresa Eagen gets a ceremonial hood during the 2019 Fall Commencement ceremony

Theresa Eagen gets hooded by Psychology Professor Brian Wymbs at fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

An excited student celebrates while walking to the stage at 2019 Fall Commencement

India Harris Jones reacts on stage at fall commencement ceremonies. Photo: Ben Siegel

Graduating students take selfies in caps and gowns

Undergraduate students take selfies during fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

Portrait of President Nellis in front of the crowd at 2019 Fall Commencement

M. Duane Nellis speaks at fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

Portrait of Distinguished Professor Steve Evans

Distinguished Professor Steve Evans speaks at fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

Side portrait of Sam McKnight, graduating senior

Sam McKnight participates in fall commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

Excited students celebrating in cap and gown at 2019 Fall Commencement

Arielle Borden-Dancy waves to her family at Fall Commencement. Photo: Eli Burris

Picture of graduation cap that says, "She turned her CANT'S into CANS and her Dreams into Plans" on the top

Ashlyn Mabrey displays her graduation cap at Fall Commencement. Photo: Eli Burris

Student waves to family during 2019 Fall Commencement

An excited graduating senior waves to family members while walking in the 2019 Fall Commencement Ceremony. Photo: Eli Burris

A family posing outside the Convo after 2019 Fall Graduation

The Kruse family poses for a photo at Fall Commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

Graduate poses with her family and friends after Fall Commencement.

Graduate poses with her family and friends after Fall Commencement. Photo: Ben Siegel

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