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Graduation elation | 900 receive degrees at YSU fall commencement
YOUNGSTOWN
Former Youngstown firefighter Joseph Wrenn was among the more than 900 who moved from student to graduate Sunday at Youngstown State University’s fall commencement at Beeghly Center.
Wrenn, 47, of Poland, was injured on the job and reinvented himself in a new career and venture, said his wife, Debra, a 1992 YSU graduate.
She and their son, Joseph III, and her husband’s parents, Thomas and Mary Kay Wrenn, were there to witness him receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration. They were among about 5,000 who attended.
Stephanie Hlebovy, a graduate of Youngstown Cardinal Mooney High School and the daughter of Julie and Ken Hlebovy of Youngstown, received a bachelor of science in applied science in family and consumer studies.
“We’re very, very proud of her and excited and happy for her. She worked very hard,” said her mother.
Along with his parents, Ed and Francine Morris, Floyd and Kattie Hawkins of Indianapolis, Ind., came to see Eddie Morris Jr., their son and godson, respectively, receive a liberal arts degree with a minor in criminal justice.
Adopted at 3 months old, he is very motivated and focused, his godfather said.
“Eddie was a very good athlete in Indianapolis in basketball and football, but we pushed academics,” Hawkins said.
“When he visited Youngstown State, he said he knew this was his place,” Hawkins said.
“These diplomas symbolize and document your years of hard work and that of the faculty,” said YSU President Jim Tressel, speaking to the estimated 540 who showed up for the commencement ceremony.
“Your degree allows you to take on leadership roles and give back to your communities,” said Tressel, who urged them to “set your goals high and increase your excellence.”
Tressel paid special tribute to graduating veterans asking them to stand and be recognized. He noted that they wear red, white and blue cords on their robes emblematic of their military service.
U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, who presented the commencement address, offered three pieces of advice to the graduates.
“Follow your dream. It is not what others expect of you, but what you expect of yourself.”
“Never underestimate the value of hard work. The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
“Be kind to, respectful of and honest with others.”
Portman, who was presented an honorary doctor of law degree, said he was concerned when he learned that the Rock on the center of campus had been defaced but praised the students who cleaned it up with a message of unity and tolerance showing their toughness and character.
“I’m excited for each and every one of you. You have a chance to chart your own course and that for your communities and country,” he said.
Katina Darkadakis, the commencement student speaker, received a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and plans to continue her education by earning a master’s degree and continuing her research into the realm of smart fashion or technological textiles.
“The value of education at YSU is worth more than money. It is also making friends and interacting with the community. Moments like these just don’t come from the classes,” said Darkadakis, who interned with the Campbell Police Department that led her to design and develop a prototype police uniform.
“There is a great sense of pride in our graduates. Many have had challenges, and with their families have persevered to reach this shining moment,” said Carole Weimer, chairwoman of the YSU Board of Trustees.
“Take great pride in graduating, and remember YSU as you go forward in your lives,” she urged the graduates.