On Sunday, Dec. 11, autumn commencement was held at St. John Arena, honoring Ohio State's graduating class of autumn 2005.
President Karen Holbrook recommended that the graduating class "become known for your curiosity" and "work to simplify other people's lives."
The commencement address was delivered by Deborah Ballam, professor of finance and associate provost for Women's Policy Initiatives and director of The Women's Place at OSU.
Ballam lead off with a quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead and spoke of the many different ways in which a "small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world."
Ballam acknowledged students who served in the armed forces, community volunteers, non traditional students, students who taught during their time at Ohio State - or plan to teach in the future - and the firsts in the graduating class, whether they were the first generation in their family to attend college, or a first-generation American.
After recognizing each group, Ballam said that they "serve as an inspiration" and that they are "role models for all of us in how to live our lives."
She ended by saying the graduates had changed the world during their years at Ohio State, whether it was something as simple as taking care of a sick roommate or helping a classmate through a personal tragedy.
"You may never know the way in which your actions - no matter how small - affect others, but rest assured they do have an effect," Ballam said.
A total of 2,078 degrees were issued, including 29 associate's degrees, 1,490 bachelor's degrees, 364 master's degrees, 177 doctorate degrees and 17 professional degrees. Honorary degrees were presented to renowned medical researcher Dr. Judah Folkman and Jerome Friedman, Nobel laureate and professor of physics emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Distinguished Service Award was presented posthumously to Michael E. Moritz, a dual graduate of OSU and the man for whom Ohio State's College of Law was named. Lou Ann Moritz Ransom, an active community volunteer, long-time advocate for the university, and wife of Michael E. Moritz until his death in 2002, also received the award. In addition, the Joseph Sullivant Medal, awarded every five years to an outstanding alumnus or faculty member, was presented to L.S. Fan, a distinguished university professor and the C. John Easton Professor of Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
"It felt great. It feels like new socks," said Ashley Evans, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration.
"I have energy all of a sudden," said Alison Guerreiro-Ramos, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in English. "I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders and my family's very happy."
Jennifer Wintermantel, who received a bachelor's degree in nursing, said she wants to work in the neo-natal intensive care unit with premature infants.
Laurie Terry, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology, already works for OSU.
"I love the university. I'm going to stick around here for a while," she said. "Overall it's been a fantastic experience. I've loved my time here."
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