OHIO celebrates the Class of 2025
Family members and friends cheered loudly and proudly for their Bobcats at the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies in the Convocation Center and at special events on the Athens and regional campuses.
Photos by Ben Siegel, Rich-Joseph Facun and Eli Burris | May 8, 2025
Share:
窪蹋勛圖 honored more than 3,600 graduates at its Spring Commencement ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students on May 2 and 3 in the Convocation Center. In addition, family members and friends packed the event spaces at OHIO's Regional Higher Education campuses for the Graduation Recognition ceremonies on May 1.
All across the University, the Class of 2025 was celebrated with special events, cheering and hugs, recognizing these Bobcats for all they have accomplished already and all they will accomplish in the years ahead.
OHIO's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine celebrated its graduating class on May 10.
Speakers encourage graduates to be lifelong learners
OHIO Alumnus John P. Gainor, former President and Chief Executive Officer of International Dairy Queen, Inc., provided the Commencement Address for the undergraduate ceremonies. Gainor reflected on his time as a student at 窪蹋勛圖 and encouraged the graduates to cherish the friendships and memories they made as students.
"It's these memories, friendships and experiences that really form the foundation that sets you up for the next chapter in your life," Gainor said. He encouraged the graduates to continue to develop their own networks and to always treat everyone just as they want to be treated.
"You all have been given a great opportunity here at 窪蹋勛圖 that not everyone has been granted, and now it's your turn to make your mark on the world," Gainor said. You can read more about Gainor and his visit to OHIO for Commencement here.
窪蹋勛圖 Student Trustee Garrett Meek also gave remarks during the undergraduate ceremony and encouraged the graduates to be lifelong learners. He also told the students to never underestimate their impact.
"Strive to make a positive impact on those around you and remember that even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact," Meek said.
Dr. Brian J. Wisner, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology and winner of the 2024 Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award, gave the Commencement Address for the graduate ceremony.
Wisner told the graduates that earning a graduate degree is a remarkable accomplishment, and that they are prepared to make positive change in society.
"I urge you to embrace the unfamiliar, to step beyond the confines of comfort and to be the architects of change in your own lives and in broader society," Wisner said.
Your education has equipped you with the tools, now let courage and curiosity guide your journey.
Presenting an Honorary Degree, celebrating the graduates
During the Graduate Commencement ceremony, 窪蹋勛圖 honored David Butcher with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. You can read more about Butcher here.
The Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies featured green and white streamers celebrating the graduates, and . Several graduates also had one final opportunity to perform with the Marching 110 during Commencement in front of family members and friends in the Convocation Center.
Honoring outstanding faculty members
Spring Commencement also featured the announcement of two significant honors for two 窪蹋勛圖 faculty members, the Distinguished Professor award and the Outstanding Graduate Faculty award. Both awards were announced during the Graduate Commencement ceremony.
Dr. Kevin Mattson was named as the winner of the Distinguished Professor Award, 窪蹋勛圖's highest academic honor.
"Dr. Mattson, the Connor Study Professor of Contemporary History in the College of Arts and Sciences, is a nationally-recognized historian whose research has shaped our understanding of modern American political thought, progressive movements and the role of intellectuals in public life," President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said.
His scholarship includes books, essays and public commentary that influence academic circles and national discourse.
"Equally important is Dr. Mattson's extraordinary dedication to teaching," Gonzalez said, adding that Mattson's classrooms are spaces of strenuous dialogue, reflection and mentorship.
Dr. Paul Shovlin was named as the winner of the Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award.
Executive Vice President and Provost Donald Leo explained that the winner of this award is selected by OHIO's graduate students.
"Dr. Shovlin is praised for fostering a welcoming inclusive learning environment that empowers students to find their academic and professional voices," Leo said.
An assistant professor in the English Department in the College of Arts and Sciences, Shovlin was recognized by OHIO students for his commitment to academic excellence, student success and mentorship.
"He not only supports students in their coursework, but also guides them through research, teaching and professional development opportunities," Leo said.
Let the Bobcat spirit drive you to face new challenges with confidence and to build new communities wherever you find yourself.
Special events on OHIO's regional campuses
In order to honor the Class of 2025, 窪蹋勛圖 also held numerous other activities, including Graduation Recognition Ceremonies on each of the regional campuses, and the traditional Nurses Pinning Ceremony.
Stephan Harris, manager of workforce development at UK Kings Daughters and an 窪蹋勛圖 alumnus, delivered the keynote address at the 窪蹋勛圖 Southern. In his remarks, Harris underscored the importance of showing up for ones community and continuing to learn.
During the 窪蹋勛圖 Eastern ceremony, Dean David Rohall recognized the dedication of students, faculty, staff and supporters, and reminded the graduates that they will always be part of the 窪蹋勛圖 family. Keynote speaker Randy Lucas, recipient of the 2025 Austin Furbee Award, offered practical wisdom and encouragement in his remarks.
The future doesnt just happen, Lucas told the graduates. You build itstep by step.
Zanesville Mayor Don Mason delivered the keynote address at the 窪蹋勛圖 Zanesville ceremony, while student speaker Taryn West reflected on the importance of personal growth and perseverance throughout her academic journey.
At the 窪蹋勛圖 Lancaster ceremony, Sarah Mullins delivered the student address and shared a powerful message of growth, identity, and gratitude. Mullins said that OHIO Lancaster was more than a place where the students took classses, it was where the students learned who they are.
At the 窪蹋勛圖 Chillicothe ceremony, Dr. Stacey Saunders-Adams, associate professor of social work, urged the graduates to embrace their uniqueness and recognize that the world needs exactly what only they can offer.
Earlier in the day, 窪蹋勛圖 Chillicothe held its nurse pinning ceremony where 21 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and 30 Associate in Applied Science in Nursing graduates received their nurse pins.
Greatness doesnt require a big city, it just requires big intentions.
You see, this place doesnt just teach from textbooks it teaches through connection. Theres something truly special about being at a campus where you know your professors, not just their office hours or class policies, but who they are as individuals.
