Ohio University graduated nearly 900 students on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Convocation Center on the Athens campus, with all the regional campuses celebrating with graduation recognition ceremonies on Thursday, Dec. 9, as well. OHIO’s regional campuses in Chillicothe, Eastern , Lancaster , Southern and Zanesville also welcomed the Summer 2021 and Spring 2020 graduating classes to be a part of the special, in-person ceremony.
The combined undergraduate and graduate ceremony on the Athens campus marked the first time commencement took place in the Convocation Center since Fall 2019.
Ohio University President Hugh Sherman welcomed students and their family and friends to the joyous celebration, commending students on their success and adaptability throughout the pandemic. He also welcomed and acknowledged a special guest, recognizing Bruce Goldberg, a 1971 graduate who was unable to attend his own graduation and who walked in cap and gown with students exactly 50 years to the day after his diploma was signed.
Following remarks from President Sherman, David Nguyen , Ph.D., associate professor of higher education and student affairs in the Patton College of Education, delivered the keynote address to students, emphasizing that there is no one definition of success. He was chosen for the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award and is currently serving as interim associate dean for research and graduate studies in the college and the provost’s faculty fellow for student success.
“My hope is that during your time — whether it's Athens, Chillicothe or eCampus — you’ve not only engaged in the academic portion of your degrees, but also tried and pushed yourself in new ways,” Nguyen said in his speech.
The Athens commencement ceremony can be viewed here .