'Reflect on what made YSU special to you,' speaker tells grads today

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel opened his welcome to the 2016 graduates during the afternoon commencement today with a reflection on the unexpected death Tuesday of YSU student Eric Stone.

Tressel described Stone, who collapsed playing basketball at the Andrews Student Recreation Center on campus, as a “friend, classmate and inspiration.”

The YSU president’s remarks lent a sobering beginning note to what was a day of celebration for an estimated 1,550 graduates who received diplomas during morning and afternoon ceremonies at Beeghly Center.

In a more traditional vein, Tressel welcomed the graduates to the membership of college graduates and urged them to accept roles of leadership in their professions and communities, and to set high goals and strive for excellence.

“Welcome to the Penguin Family,” Tressel concluded.

“What makes YSU so special is all the unique backgrounds of the students and faculty here,” said Claudia Gage, afternoon Commencement student speaker.

“Take a moment to reflect on what made YSU special to you,” said Gage, who graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in theater studies with minors in creative writing and photography and a certificate in nonprofit leadership.

Read more of her and other remarks in Sunday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.