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Jim Tressel, YSU president, welcomed the graduates to the Penguin Family
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel opened his welcome to the 2016 graduates during the afternoon commencement on Saturday 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.
“Take those special things and treasure them, and know that no matter what you do, YSU has prepared you for it,” Gage said.
A YSU graduate and well-known economic analyst, Joseph G. Carson, was speaker for the afternoon commencement.
He shared three lessons he said he has learned in life and the world of work: “Challenge yourself throughout your career, and as you advance in life, continue to learn; change and adapt; and follow your principles.”
Carson, who oversees the economic analysis team for AllianceBernstein, a global investment-management and research firm, of New York City received bachelor and master of arts degrees from YSU, and was presented an honorary doctor of business administration degree by Tressel.
“It’s your time ... it’s your journey, but you will face great challenges,” such as the high cost of education and living and foreign competition, Carson said to the grads.
Still, he said, there are also a lot of opportunities.
He left the grads with this bit of advice:
“Success is not measured by how much money you make. Rather it is measured by your contributions to your firm and community.”
The ceremony marked a day of celebration not only for graduates but their families as well.
Palma and Duane Mancini of Boardman were there to witness their daughter, honors program grad Gina Mancini, receive her diploma. She graduated summa cum laude with a dual major in communications and psychology.
“We’re very proud, but I have mixed feelings,” said her mother. “We’re excited and very happy for her, but that’s my baby leaving home,” Palma said.
Kristen Moyer, an elementary teacher in the Jackson-Milton School District, was there to watch her husband, Cody Moyer, 30, receive his master’s degree in nursing, and her brother, Adam Depp, receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“I’m very proud of both of them,” Kristen said.
But, she said, “I’m also glad it is over. It was a hard road for all of us. I’m proud of Cody for making a change at this point in his life to better himself.” The Moyers have two daughters, Bailey and Gwen.
Graduate Joshua T. Hinkle, in receiving a criminal justice degree and becoming a corrections officer for the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, is following a family tradition.
His father, Thomas Hinkle of Lakewood, is a detective for the Cuyahoga County Metropolitan Housing Authority; his grandfather on his dad’s side was an Akron policeman, and his grandfather on his mother’s side is a state corrections officer.
Joshua’s family and his girlfriend, Samantha Roth of Boardman, said they are “very proud of and happy for” him.
Dave and Nancy Watt of Hammondsville, Ohio, were there to see their granddaughter, Jordan Watt, daughter of David and Jen Watt of Salem, receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“She is beautiful and heart-warming and graduated summa cum laude. She has never had less than an “A” in her life,” her grandfather said.
Alana Watkins of Akron was at Beeghly Center to see her nephew, Antoine Watkins, who plans to become a lawyer, graduate with a criminal justice degree.
“I couldn’t be more proud,” she said. “He worked really hard to graduate with honors. He has a dream and a plan and nothing will stop him.”