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GRADS OF SUMMER
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'I DID IT': Chris Denton Youngstown poses for a picture after accepting his doctorate in physical therapy at Youngstown State University's summer commencement in Beeghly Center. This is the first year the physical therapy program has issued doctoral certificates. At left is Peter Kasvinsky, associate provost for research and dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
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MAKING A POINT: Carl Nunziato, an Army veteran who suffered combat wounds in the Vietnam War, delivers the commencement address.
By Sean Barron
YSU commencement sends more than 450 on the path toward success
Always value your education at YSU, and serve as leaders, a speaker told the students.
YOUNGSTOWN — A succession of important events in Justin C. Hite’s life has elevated his stress a bit, but that didn’t overshadow the excitement he felt as he approached the stage to receive his degree.
“I’m maintaining my sanity pretty well,” Hite, of Vienna, said with a chuckle.
Hite, who got his bachelor of arts degree in religious studies, said his next goal is to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study library science. The next few months will likely consist of his moving to Pittsburgh and taking classes again, Hite said, adding that he hopes to manage library archives.
Hite was one of more than 450 graduates and undergraduates who took home degrees after Sunday’s 2008 summer commencement program at Youngstown State University’s Beeghly Center. Seventeen students received doctorate degrees.
Of those, 16 received doctor of physical therapy degrees as part of a clinical doctorate of physical therapy program approved last month by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. YSU is one of 10 universities in Ohio to offer such a program, noted Nancy Landgraff, chairwoman of YSU’s physical therapy department.
A lot of traveling may be in the future of Jason Ehrenberg, who has his eye on global international business. The Boardman man, who works at Sears in Hermitage, Pa., as a brand central manager, said his ambitions consist of getting into a management sales division and working throughout Europe. Ehrenberg earned his bachelor’s of science degree in business administration.
Delivering the commencement address was Atty. Carl Nunziato, a 1961 Youngstown College graduate and retired Army major.
Nunziato, who’s also a former vice president of National City Bank Trust, told his audience that Youngstown College prepared him for a career in the military, as well as dealing with people in all facets of his life. Such social skills were the common thread that linked Nunziato’s military, teaching, law and banking careers, he noted.
Nunziato, of Boardman, shared several recollections from his military service and encouraged the students to display leadership and never underestimate the value of having received their education at YSU.
“Do not ever be intimidated by anybody,” he implored.
Preceding Nunziato was Christine Snipes, a 1980 East High School graduate and one of the doctor of physical therapy recipients.
Snipes, who served as graduate commencement speaker, urged the students to dedicate themselves to making a difference in their communities.
“Help someone pick up their boots,” she said.
The two-hour ceremony featured comments by YSU President David C. Sweet, who also presented Nunziato with an honorary doctor of law degree. Other remarks were from Scott Schulick, chairman of the board of trustees; Germaine Bennett, president of YSU’s Alumni Society; and Ikram Khawaja, provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Performing were members of the Dana School of Music as well as the YSU Wind Ensemble, which gave its interpretation of the “Armed Services Salute,” designed to honor those who served in the military.