LIMA, OH (WLIO) -Â Students, staff, and faculty with The Ohio State University at Lima gathered Friday evening for the 2024 Academic Celebration.
The celebration at OSU Lima recognizes the academic achievements of students, teaching, mentoring, and research accomplishments of faculty, and the service provided by staff. 54 students were recognized for earning their Associate of Arts degree, with 22 students earning a Bachelor of Arts and 68 students earning a Bachelor of Science. New this year is the Inclusive Excellence Recognition Award, which is bestowed on an OSU Lima community member who strives to positively improve campus diversity and inclusiveness. With so many being recognized Friday night, campus officials say Friday night was one of the university's favorite nights of the year.
"This is absolutely one of my favorite events of the year because it really is an opportunity for us to pause, to celebrate, and to take a moment to really reflect on the work that we're all doing. This really is the culmination of the work of many. It's not just the students who are getting the award; it's the faculty who helped get them to that point, the staff who supported them, and then the friends and the family who helped make sure that this dream of getting a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio State University is celebrated and complete," says Dr. Margaret Young, Interim Dean & Director, The Ohio State University-Lima.
Friday night's student speaker is Ely Roa, who graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. Before the celebration, we talked with Roa about some of the final messages and statements he wants his OSU Lima community to know before they embark upon the next steps in their journeys.
"One of the biggest points of my speech tonight will be about how important everyone is around you. Every person around you has an impact on your success in some shape or form. You might not know, but they can have an impact on someone who goes and has an impact on you. Everything is really connected, and it's really important to understand your community," says Ely Roa, a 2024 student speaker, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in biology.
After Friday night's ceremony, students, staff, and faculty enjoyed community fellowship with a reception.
