Ohio State Universty’s President Karen A. Holbrook presided over the 376th commencement ceremony for the class of 2006, evoking emotions and applause speaking to the record-setting 7,643 graduates along with 35,000 guests.
“The world will expect you to do something great because you are a graduate of The Ohio State University,” Holbrook said to the graduates.
Students began trickling in to the French Field House a few hours early – some were nervous, some were calm. James Anderson, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, sat relaxed on a concrete bench outside the building before donning his black graduation gown and preparing to tame his hair with the matching cap.
Other students, already dressed in their caps and gowns, came early to determine their position in the procession line.
“I actually graduated in autumn, and I came back to OSU just to walk,” said Jessica Bradshaw-Hermiller, who received a degree in English. “I missed the December ceremony because I was on my honeymoon.”
Wes Hurley, who received a degree in integrated social studies, summed up the day. “It’s kind of surreal, but then it’s not,” he said. “Undergrad just prepares you to go on to grad school.”
Beginning the ceremony with the welcoming remarks, Richard A. Hollingsworth, associate vice president for Student Affairs, rallied the crowd.
“These students have earned the right – let me say that again – these students have earned the right to graduate from The Ohio State University.”
With those words, two rivers of black caps and gowns flowed into the stadium, filling the track and reaching the north end of Ohio Stadium long before the final students made their way in. Anderson, walking just behind the arts banner, smiled proudly, searching the crowd for familiar faces during the processional, his tassel still on the right side of his cap.
From a distance, the spots of unrecognizable color punctuating the long black rivers of gowns and caps on the stadium floor slowly focused into spots of graduate personalities. Thin balloons twisted into a small Brutus Buckeye, a rainbow flag, a red Block-O, and even a miniature city complete with Godzilla adorned some students’ caps.
The ceremony continued with the invocation by Dana Schroeder, director of University Hospital Pastoral Care, who said, “We approach life from different origins, but on this day we come together in unity.”
In his commencement address, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) spoke about wars, politics and the ideals of youth. Though he supports the war in Iraq, he also encouraged all who oppose the war to voice their opinion.
“It is more than appropriate, it is necessary that even in times of crisis – especially in times of crisis – we fight among ourselves for the things we believe in,” he said.
McCain drew his largest applause when he said, “Americans should argue about this war. It is your right and your obligation. I respect you for it.”
McCain praised the sacrifices that parents make and the attention they give to their children that helps get them to graduation day.
“More than any other influence in your lives they have helped to make you the success you are today and might become tomorrow,” he said.
One of those proud parents of a 2006 graduate not only knows the feeling herself, but also has turned graduation at OSU into a family tradition.
“We’re an OSU family. We have a combined a total of seven degrees from OSU,” said Marilyn Trefz. “I did it three times – 1983, 87 and 91.”
Jill Trefz, graduating with an MBA in marketing, would like to take her family’s tradition and bring it full circle.
“I would like to come back to Fisher College of Business to teach the same thing I just graduated in.”
High-fives, shout-outs, and quick poses for photographers punctuated the lines of graduates awaiting diplomas. As Anderson received his diploma, his tassel now on the left, he waved to the crowd before heading out of the stadium. He said that he is preparing to move to Los Angeles to continue working on the acting and directing skills he has honed during his years at OSU.
“Today you join a family of more than half a million Ohio State graduates and step into a new world of rich and challenging opportunities,” Holbrook said, her words echoing through the stadium. “Upon this foundation, your education will continue to grow and help you create a lifetime of productivity, personal fulfillment and civic responsibility.”
