The long-awaited day for Ohio University students to receive their respective degrees and move on to brighter futures, Fall Commencement, began Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Second vice-chair of the OU Board of Trustees, Matthew Evans, opened the Fall 2024 graduation commencement with the familiar “OU, Oh Yeah” chant. He then introduced the Army and Air Force Reserve’s Presentation of the Colors and the OU select ensemble to sing the national anthem.
Vice President for Student Affairs Lyn Redington then took the podium to welcome graduates, families, staff, veterans and current armed forces members. Redington introduced the members of the Board of Trustees.
Before OU’s president Lori Stewart Gonzalez made her formal remarks, she congratulated the OU football team for its Mid-American Football Championship victory against Miami University.
“You chose this place because you didn’t just want a degree,” Gonzalez said. “You wanted the only-at-Ohio experience and excellence at would daily grow you in knowledge, sure, but also in wisdom and in love.”
OU professor Sarah Wyatt, recipient of this year’s Distinguished Professor Award, took the podium to give the commencement address.
“Now’s the time to go off, go forth and do something,” Wyatt said. “Be kind, be generous, be present and explore the possibilities that lay before you.”
Executive Vice President and Provost Don Leo gave the presentation to graduates. Leo then introduced Dean David Koonce of the Graduate College to confer doctoral degrees.
Gonzalez introduced the deans of each college program. Master’s students and undergraduates then received their respective degrees
“I hereby confer upon you the degrees your respective studies have merited with all the privileges and responsibilities pertaining hereto,” Gonzalez said.
Once graduates were seated, Gonzalez welcomed them to move their tassels and congratulated them.
“It is my honor to welcome you to the family of Ohio University alumni,” Gonzalez said.
The singing of the Ohio Alma Mater followed the ceremony. The chair of the Board of Trustees, Steve Casciani, convened the commencement.
