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Ohio University Eastern honored graduating seniors at a recognition ceremony Thursday evening at the ECO Center.
Ohio University Eastern Dean of Campus and Community Relations David Rohall opened the ceremony by honoring the accomplishments of the graduates and the dedication of the faculty, staff and community who supported them along the way. He reflected on the unique strengths of the OHIO Eastern experience.
"Graduates, you can be proud of what you've achieved here, not only because of the hard work you've put in, but because you were guided by some of the most dedicated educators in the country," Rohall said.
Student speaker Terra Shriver of Jerusalem addressed the crowd, reflecting on perseverance, personal growth and gratitude, celebrating the collective strength of the Class of 2025.
"It's a surreal and deeply humbling moment to stand before you today," Shriver said. "This journey has taught me that success isn't just about the finish line; it's about the resilience we discovered in the face of doubt and the strength we found to keep showing up. I'm leaving here not only with a degree, but with a deeper understanding of myself, of what it means to grow, and of the power of community. We didn't get here alone, and we won't walk forward alone, either. We carry with us every lesson, every late-night study session, every person who believes in us. That's what makes this moment so powerful."
Shriver graduates with summa cum laude honors, earning a bachelor's degree in early childhood and elementary education.
After graduation, she plans to secure a teaching position near her hometown.
Randy Lucas, superintendent of the East Central Ohio Education Resource Center and the 2025 recipient of the Austin Furbee Award, delivered the keynote address, offering a message filled with humility, practical insight and heartfelt encouragement.
"Today isn't just about a diploma, it's about perseverance, growth and the power of your potential," he said.
Drawing on decades of experience in education, he reminded the class that success isn't accidental.
"The future doesn't just happen," he said. "You build it decision by decision, step by step."
He then offered advice for the workplace, urging students to become more than just employees. "Employers are not just looking for another employee, they want a good team member."
James Casebolt, associate professor of psychology, presented the following graduation candidates:
Aliza Bates, Reese Capalingo, Grace Eller, Layla Gasser, Noah Hinkle and Carly Marchbank to receive associate degrees.
Hunter Blake, Colton Burnheimer, Serina Carpenter, Sydney Carpenter, Alleigh Cheatham, Heather Cline, Brenen Craig, Justin Curry, Erica Doyle, Hunter Duffey, Jacob Edwards, Luke Figel, Gabrielle Fulst, Lindsay Gaschler, Macie Ging, Lauren Hamilton, Jessica Hartley, Noah Hinkle, Tiffany Hoffman, Auston Hogue, Brooke Johnson, Jess Kuhn, Abigail Lish, Olivia Muncy, Brenden Marcum, Holly Marangos-Fulton, Maddy Oliver, Casara Orr, Tera Parrish, Eric Polk, Kylie Quinn, Isabella Parker, Tyson Randall, Grace Reed, Jared Reitter, Brock Sempirek, Terra Shriver, Mackenzie Shultz-Flynn, Meghan Shultz, Chloe Smith, Emily Smith, Olivia Starr, Alexis Stead, Cassidy Stegman, Evan Voleck, Alex Wade and Charles Waugh to receive bachelor's degrees.