Marnette Perry, senior vice president of the Kroger Co., imparted words of wisdom and encouragement to Ohio State graduates during the autumn commencement ceremony Sunday.
The new graduates gathered with anticipation in St. John Arena at 2 p.m. where they were joined by friends, family and loved ones. The increase in attendance was attributed to the university’s decision to move graduation from Friday to Sunday, in order to better accommodate the traveling needs of the graduates’ family and friends.
Perry spoke eloquently, acknowledging the graduates’ many accomplishments and reiterated the endless possibilities each graduate possessed in order to obtain a lifetime enriched with achievement and success.
“You already know all about the value of preparation and goal setting – that is how you got here,” Perry said. “You have shown your appetite for knowledge and have clearly established the standards for action and leadership.”
Approximately 1,700 students received their degrees before embarking upon the next chapter of their lives. Christopher Mays, who graduated with a bachelors degree in social behavioral sciences, said he was undoubtedly pleased with his experiences at OSU, but is delighted the seemingly never-ending journey has come to a close.
“I’m definitely happy to be graduating. Four years of pulling all-nighters is finally over,” Mays said. “Now I just need to make sure that I make enough money in the future so I can buy season football tickets as an alumnus.”
Although most students were relieved to complete their college career and eager to enter the next stage of their lives, Julie Bruns, who graduated with a bachelors degree in science and human ecology, said her years at OSU were as memorable and endearing as they were educating.
“I’m definitely going to miss some of the OSU traditions, like getting up at 5:30 a.m. on Michigan game day just to get the day started right,” Bruns said. “It just seems like when you go to school here, you have that fire burning inside of you telling yourself that you are a true Buckeye, now and forever.”
