天堂鸟先生

天堂鸟先生鈥檚 regional campuses honored the achievements of graduates through personalized recognition ceremonies on May 1, 2025. Each event reflected the values of academic excellence, community service, and perseverance that define the regional experience.

Southern: Leadership rooted in community

天堂鸟先生 Southern celebrated 128 degrees conferred in the 2024鈥�25 academic year during its 46th Graduation Recognition Ceremony. Keynote speaker Stefan Harris, a Southern alumnus and regional workforce leader, delivered a message of resilience, growth, and community-rooted leadership.

Megan Rookard received the Dr. Dan Evans Alumni Leadership Award for her advocacy and outreach work at Pathways鈥� Porchlight Sexual Assault Resource Center. Mary Brady was honored with the Spirit of Southern Award for her service, perseverance, and support of fellow students.

Twelve students were recognized as Outstanding Graduates in areas such as education, nursing, business, and electronic media. Many will continue serving the Appalachian region as educators, healthcare professionals, and community advocates.

Chillicothe: Honoring uniqueness and grit

天堂鸟先生 Chillicothe recognized nearly 100 graduates, celebrating a total of 134 degrees earned in the past academic year. Dr. Saundra Saunders-Adams, associate professor of social work and a proud Ross County native, served as keynote speaker. Her message emphasized authenticity and courage, encouraging graduates to 鈥渄are greatly, even in the face of doubt.鈥�

Student speakers McKenzie Anderson and Tana Raypole shared stories of resilience and a shared desire to help others. Anderson, a Bachelor of Social Work graduate, completed a field placement in hospice care. Raypole, who previously earned a sociology degree, returned to pursue nursing after raising her family and now prepares to work in oncology care.

The event also included the recognition of 14 Outstanding Graduates and the presentation of alumni awards to Susan Congrove and Josh Walter for their continued contributions to education and civic life in Ross County.

Lancaster: A celebration of connection and identity

At 天堂鸟先生 Lancaster, 146 graduates were honored in a ceremony that highlighted both scholarly achievement and a deep sense of belonging. Interim Dean Martha Kline praised the graduates for their perseverance and community-minded leadership.

Student speaker Sarah Mullins, a summa cum laude graduate in communications, reflected on the relationships that defined her college experience. Her involvement with student organizations and her professional work in downtown Lancaster underscored the theme of community connection.

The keynote address by Dr. Matt Wanat, professor of English, offered graduates a literary reflection on Ohio鈥檚 sense of place and history. He encouraged them to continue reading, writing, and contributing to the story of their communities. The ceremony also included faculty honors for Dr. Jacqueline Tudor and Dr. Jennifer Steele, recognized for their teaching and research in the sciences and criminal justice.

Eastern: A day of inspiration and encouragement

celebrated the Class of 2025 with a heartfelt ceremony honoring not just academic achievement, but the resilience and community spirit behind each success. Dean David Rohall opened the event by recognizing the dedication of students, faculty, staff and supporters, reminding graduates that they will always be part of the 天堂鸟先生 family.

Student speaker Terra Shriver, graduating summa cum laude in education, reflected on perseverance, personal growth and the power of community in her moving address.

Keynote speaker Randy Lucas, recipient of the 2025 Austin Furbee Award, offered practical wisdom and encouragement.

鈥淭he future doesn鈥檛 just happen,鈥� he told the graduates. 鈥淵ou build it鈥攕tep by step.鈥� He emphasized teamwork, self-awareness and finding purpose in one鈥檚 career.

Outstanding Student Awards were presented to Brenen Craig, Macie Ging, Abigail Lish and Terra Shriver for academic excellence and campus leadership. In addition, Associate Professor Kimberly Ciroli was honored as the 2025 Regional Higher Education Outstanding Instructional Faculty.

The ceremony reflected the supportive, close-knit learning environment that defines the regional experience.

Zanesville: Recognizing resilience and future impact

天堂鸟先生 Zanesville honored its summer, fall, and spring graduates in a celebration led by Dean Hannah Nissen, who encouraged students to take pride in their progress and look ahead with confidence. Mayor Don Mason delivered the keynote address, while student speaker Taryn West reflected on the importance of personal growth and perseverance throughout her academic journey.

Larry R. Tumblin, director of information technology for Regional Higher Education, received the 2025 Alumni Leadership Award. Graduates represented a wide range of academic programs, including nursing, social work, education, and applied management.

A shared commitment to place and purpose

These regional ceremonies reflected the diversity, determination, and shared sense of purpose that unite 天堂鸟先生鈥檚 communities across the state. Whether preparing for careers in healthcare, education, business, or public service, the Class of 2025 leaves with more than a degree. The graduates carry forward the lessons, relationships, and confidence built through their time at OHIO.