Fall 2021 Commencement

Ohio University graduated nearly 900 students on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Convocation Center on the Athens campus, with all the regional campuses graduating their students on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Photos by Rich-Joseph Facun, Ben Siegel, Eli Burris, Ty Wright and Nate Smallwood | December 16, 2021

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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.

Two friends share a light moment prior to the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Two friends share a light moment prior to the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Ryanne Celeste, left, makes her way to the Convocation Center with her partner Chris Seymour, right, prior to the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Ryanne Celeste, left, makes her way to the Convocation Center with her partner Chris Seymour, right, prior to the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Two students anticipate the start of the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Two students anticipate the start of the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate observes the crowd of families, friends and loved ones after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate observes the crowd of families, friends and loved ones after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A student looks to audience in the Convocation Center during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A student looks to audience in the Convocation Center during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Ohio University Associate Professor David Nguyen delivers the keynote address at Fall 2021 Commencement.

Ohio University Associate Professor David Nguyen delivers the keynote address at Fall 2021 Commencement.

Ohio University President Hugh Sherman speaks at Fall 2021 Commencement.

Ohio University President Hugh Sherman speaks at Fall 2021 Commencement.

Ohio University Associate Professor David Nguyen waits to delivers the keynote address at Fall 2021 Commencement.

Ohio University Associate Professor David Nguyen waits to delivers the keynote address at Fall 2021 Commencement.

Undergraduate students move their tassels from the right to the left to signify they have officially graduated during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Undergraduate students move their tassels from the right to the left to signify they have officially graduated during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate celebrates after crossing the stage during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Students stand and acknowledge their official graduate status during Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Students stand and acknowledge their official graduate status during Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate receives recognition during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate receives recognition during the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

President Hugh Sherman congratulates a student during Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

President Hugh Sherman congratulates a student during Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A student celebrates as Dean Jackie Rees Ulmer offers a congratulatory hand during Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A student celebrates as Dean Jackie Rees Ulmer offers a congratulatory hand during Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate receives a hug after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate receives a hug after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate and is surrounded by her family after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate and is surrounded by her family after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Recent graduate Shatha Mohammed Abdallah Al Balushi, center, has her photo taken by a friend after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Recent graduate Shatha Mohammed Abdallah Al Balushi, center, has her photo taken by a friend after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Fraternity members celebrate with one another after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

Fraternity members celebrate with one another after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate pauses for a photograph after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate pauses for a photograph after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate takes a selfie Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate takes a selfie Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate celebrates with a hug after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A graduate celebrates with a hug after the Fall Commencement 2021 at the Athens Campus.

A recent graduate poses for a photo with their family following the Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Lancaster Campus.

A recent graduate poses for a photo with their family following the Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Lancaster Campus.

A recent graduate poses for a photo with their daughter following the Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Zanesville Campus.

A recent graduate poses for a photo with their daughter following the Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Zanesville Campus.

Students participate in Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Eastern Campus.

Students participate in Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Eastern Campus.

Students participate in Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Lancaster Campus

Students participate in Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Lancaster Campus

A student participates in the December 2021 Nursing Pinning & Recognition Ceremony at the Southern Campus.

A student participates in the December 2021 Nursing Pinning & Recognition Ceremony at the Southern Campus.

Karla Poole (Right) receives a hug from her mother Darby Poole following gets a Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Chillicothe Campus.

Karla Poole (Right) receives a hug from her mother Darby Poole following gets a Graduation Recognition Ceremony at the Chillicothe Campus.

A nursing student sheds a tear during the December 2021 Nursing Pinning & Recognition Ceremony at the Southern Campus.

A nursing student sheds a tear during the December 2021 Nursing Pinning & Recognition Ceremony at the Southern Campus.