LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Nearly 750 graduates crossed the stage Sunday as the University of Northwestern Ohio celebrated its 106th graduating class.
Students from 40 states and 17 countries received more than 900 diplomas during the commencement ceremony, marking the culmination of years of academic work and hands-on training designed to prepare them for careers in a variety of industries.
UNOH President Dr. Jeff Jarvis said the university's programs align closely with current workforce demands and help students transition directly into employment.
“The programs we have are right in the wheelhouse for the economy right now and getting jobs. So, what we train them in, how hard they work to get there and go on and become productively employed and have a great career. That's what it's all about and today's the celebration of that and we're proud to be here," Jarvis said.
This year's keynote speaker was UNOH alumnus Brad Jordan, who earned his MBA from the university. Jordan encouraged graduates to focus on the present as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
“So often we're worried about the past or we're looking for it, we're worried about the future, and I'm going to encourage them to really think about today, the present moment, and continuing to walk their journey,” Jordan said.
For many graduates, the university experience provided more than an education. It also created friendships and life-changing opportunities.
“One of the biggest things I'm taking away from UNOH is just keep your head down, work hard, make the friends that you can, and don't be afraid to jump into new opportunities you never would have saw yourself doing. And I met my husband here, I met my best friends here. It's going to stay with me, even if I don't remember the people well, I'm going to remember what happened,” said Shelby Haden, a motorsports marketing graduate.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the university's newest graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce and pursue their future goals.
