May 28, 2024, Press Release from the University of Northwestern Ohio: The University of Northwestern Ohio’s 104th annual commencement exercises will be held on Sunday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. A total of 742 graduates from the College of Applied Technologies, College of Business, College of Health Professions, College of Occupational Professions, and Graduate College will receive 919 diplomas and degrees. 142 students have earned two or more credentials.
The graduation speaker for the 2024 ceremonies will be UNOH Alumni Dr. Russ Decker, the Manager of Special Projects at Nutrien, Lima Nitrogen. Decker oversees the plant’s Community and Media Relations and philanthropy, Government Affairs, Strategic Inclusion, Continuous Improvement projects, and Long-Term Planning. Dr. Decker joined Nutrien after more than 27 years in public safety, most recently as Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Dr. Decker holds a PhD in Public Safety Administration from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN, and a Master of Science degree from Tiffin University. However, his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Northwestern Ohio started his professional career. Dr. Decker will speak to the Class of 2024 about how they can impact and influence the workforce of tomorrow.
The University Grand Marshal this year is Mrs. Mindy McDonald. McDonald is the Program Director and an Instructor in the University’s Medical Assistant degree program. McDonald has been employed by UNOH for 20 years. McDonald’s daughter, Hana Alexis McDonald, was chosen as the Student Marshal for this year’s graduating class. She will graduate next year with an associate degree in Business Administration and Marketing.
The 2024 University of Northwestern Ohio graduates represent 39 states and 24 countries (Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Scotland, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, United States, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe).
