Ohio University held its fall commencement ceremony Saturday at 2 p.m. at The Convo. The commencement included all undergraduate students, master's and doctoral graduates.
OU President Lori Stewart Gonzalez welcomed graduates and their families to the ceremony and shared congratulatory words for the class of 2023.
"For many of you, the world was a different place when you stepped onto our campus. You likely spent part of your time as a Bobcat navigating the global pandemic, and I know that wasn't easy," Gonzalez said. "You overcame what may be the greatest challenge you faced in your life, and you've earned one of the most valuable assets you could ever possess a college degree."
Gonzalez concluded her speech with a heartfelt message from OU before introducing the commencement speaker.
"Wherever your journey takes you, I hope that you'll keep exploring, keep learning, keep growing, and all the while, keep Ohio University in your hearts, Gonzalez said. "You will always be a Bobcat, and Ohio University will forever welcome you back into your home."
The commencement speaker was Josh Antonuccio, director of OU's School of Media Arts and Studies. He shared with the graduates three "superpowers" he utilized while navigating post-grad life.
Three pieces of advice he offered the recent graduates were to embrace being unique, naive and a Bobcat.
"You are now a part of one of the most supportive communities on the planet; this is one of the great superpowers of your degree," Antonuccio said. "Bobcats are everywhere, and Bobcats love helping Bobcats."
Antonuccio closed his speech with one final note to the graduates.
"Remember what Bobcats do for you and find ways to give back as you succeed," he said.
Elizabeth Sayrs, executive vice president and provost, recognized the faculty at OU by honoring those who helped the class of 2023 get to this point of graduation.
"Thank you for your dedication to our students every year, but especially for your work with the class of 2023," she said. "Your contributions have created the deep learning that we celebrate here today.
The ceremony concluded with the graduates walking the stage and collecting their earned degrees.
