OHIO graduates new generation of Bobcats

Another generation of Bobcats graduated from Ohio University this past weekend.

The three-part Athens commencement ceremony took place on April 29-30, with graduate ceremonies taking place on Friday and undergraduate ceremonies being split into two parts on Saturday. In all, OHIO graduated approximately 3,500 students. Commencement for OHIO’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine graduates will be held on Saturday, May 7.

“Think for a moment about all the years you’ve been a student, all of the schools you’ve attended and all the academic work you’ve completed. It’s incredible to think about how far you’ve come and the number of challenges that you’ve faced head on,” President Hugh Sherman told undergraduates during Saturday’s afternoon ceremony. “But you did it, you made it. And now you are here today so we can collectively celebrate your achievements as you move on to the next chapter. Each of you should be very proud of yourself.”

American Electric Power (AEP) Vice President and OHIO graduate Janelle Coleman served as the undergraduate commencement keynote speaker; and Dr. Brandon Kendhammer, associate professor of political science who was named as the 2021 Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award winner, was the graduate commencement keynote speaker.

“It’s not about where you start, but it’s what you do along the journey and where you finish,” Coleman told the graduating class. “You are a Bobcat, and that is a big deal.” 

“My charge to you then is to serve your communities by using those skills to help your family, your friends and neighbors, to think about the distant forces and events that shape our lives. To approach the world with the expectations that our experiences are only one piece of that bigger story,” Kendhammer told the graduate students. “I urge you to continue to learn, to stay informed and to help us all build communities of informed global citizens with voice.”

In addition to the Commencement Ceremonies for all students on the main campus in Athens, Ohio University also held celebration events at each of its regional campuses. Ohio University Lancaster honored an estimated 134 graduates this year; Ohio University Chillicothe celebrated the accomplishments of 168 graduates; Ohio University Zanesville recognized 83 graduates; Ohio University Southern honored 115 graduates; and Ohio University Eastern celebrated 34 graduates.

“Today, I want you to stand up and cheer because you are now and will forever be a Bobcat, no matter what,” Coleman said.