Ohio State Mansfield grads celebrate milestone with heartfelt ceremony
According to an announcement, the ceremony took place in Conard Hall, where students were recognized for earning bachelor of science, bachelor of arts and associate of arts degrees from autumn 2024 through spring 2025.
Jason Opal, dean and director of Ohio State Mansfield, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the transition from college to the next phase of their lives.
'Graduates of 2025, you have just completed one season of life. In that season you were able to study and reflect, and explore, rather than just to react,' Opal said. 'I hope that your season at Ohio State University will be a source of comfort and inspiration, of strength and guidance as you go forth into the great wide world.'
The spring semester marked the 67th class to graduate from Ohio State Mansfield and the 154th to graduate from Ohio State University, which held its official graduation ceremony May 4 in Columbus.
Kris Knapp, mayor of Ontario, served as the keynote speaker. Knapp, a retired high school teacher who became mayor in August 2024, shared his personal experiences and offered advice to the graduates.
'Thirty-seven years ago, I sat exactly where you are now. I was filled with hope, a little uncertainty but a lot of excitement,' Knapp said.
He reminded the graduates they will face challenges and opportunities, but the path they take 'is yours to follow.' Knapp told them to always treat people with respect because you may be working with them in the future, noting three current Ontario council members were his former students.
Following the ceremony, graduates participated in a dessert social.
Olivia Hellinger, a primary education graduate from Ontario, expressed her excitement about finishing her degree.
'I'm thankful to be done, and I have a job lined up for the fall in Mount Gilead that I am excited to start,' Hellinger said.
Lillian Ferguson from Strongsville, who earned an associate of arts degree, is preparing to return to Ohio State Mansfield to pursue a bachelor of education degree.
'It's so nice to see that all of the work is doing toward something, and it is a good push forward into the right direction,' Ferguson said.
This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct or share your thoughts at http://bit.ly/3RapUkA with our News Automation and AI team.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Ohio State University-Mansfield holds graduation ceremony
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