Student speakers are named for OU-C ‘Recognition of Graduation’ event

Student participants and faculty marshals have been named for the upcoming Recognition of Graduation event at Ohio University-Chillicothe. OU-C will salute students who have earned their college degrees during the 2011-12 academic year at 7:30 p.m. on June 8 in the Shoemaker Center. Admission is free.

Nakia Mickey, an Associate Degree in Human Services Technology student, will serve as the associate degree representative and will deliver the Pledge of Allegiance. Karissa Carroll, who is earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, is the bachelor’s degree student representative and will share her reflections.

Karissa Carroll

Carroll, who graduated from Southeastern High School, plans to pursue a teaching position in Ross County or the surrounding area. “Much of what I learned during my OU-C educational experience occurred beyond the scope of the classroom and cannot be measured simply in terms of grades,” Carroll said. “I was able to remain in the local community and become part of the learning community on the Chillicothe Campus. The lessons I learned will continue to benefit me long after graduation, and the friendships I made will last a lifetime.”

Faculty marshals for the graduation event include Allison White, associate degree; Lisa Wallace, bachelor’s degree; and Cindy Matyi, master’s degree.

Music will be by the Great Seal of Ohio Band.

As previously announced, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Yvette McGee Brown will deliver the keynote address. Also, local business professional, agricultural advocate and historian Martha Gerber Rittinger will receive the Richard Bebee Alumni Leadership Award.

A total of 512 students earned their associate, bachelor’s and masters degrees from Ohio University while attending the Chillicothe Campus this academic year, and approximately 260 students are expected to participate in Friday’s event. Both numbers are the highest in the 11-year history of the “Recognition of Graduation” event.

A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Shoemaker room 215 for faculty and staff members, Regional Coordinating Council members and platform party participants. A reception for the graduates and their families will be held afterward in the Shoemaker Center.

A pinning ceremony for graduates of OU-C’s nursing program will take place at 6 p.m. on June 7 in the Shoemaker Center.

Formal commencement activities are held on the Athens campus.