Ohio University regional campuses celebrate Class of 2026

Ohio University’s regional campuses celebrated the Class of 2026 with Graduation Recognition Ceremonies held on April 30, 2026.

Across the state, these ceremonies recognized not only academic achievement, but the determination, growth and community support that define the regional campus experience. This year also carried added meaning, with milestone anniversaries reflecting decades of service, access and impact in the communities each campus serves.

Chillicothe graduates share stories of resilience and service

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Ohio University Chillicothe recognized nearly 120 graduates, representing 165 degrees earned during the academic year. The campus will be celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of educational impact in the region.

Keynote speaker Jamie Brown encouraged graduates to value their experiences and recognize the broader influence of their achievements throughout Appalachian Ohio. His message emphasized the importance of visibility and representation, reminding graduates that their success can inspire others.

Student speakers Phillip Howard and Jared Kaiser shared reflections shaped by perseverance and purpose. Howard, a retired combat veteran and first-generation college student, spoke about pursuing education to lead by example for his family. Kaiser discussed his transition into nursing and his plans to continue advancing in the healthcare field.

Twenty students were named Outstanding Graduates for academic achievement, leadership, and service. Earlier in the day, 70 nursing graduates participated in a nurse pinning ceremony, marking an important transition for students entering the profession.

Alumni awards were presented to Amy Beeler and Jessica Short in recognition of their leadership and continued contributions to education and workforce development in the region.

Eastern ceremony emphasizes purpose, preparation and community roots

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Ohio University Eastern celebrated its graduates with a ceremony centered on perseverance, purpose and community connection, as the campus looks ahead to its 70th anniversary in 2027.

Interim Dean Richard W. Greenlee opened the ceremony by recognizing the collective effort behind each graduate’s success and reflecting on the symbolism of a brass tag presented to graduates, representing Appalachian heritage, resilience and hard work.

Student speaker Jessica Schwartz encouraged classmates to lead with empathy and recognize the impact they can have on others. A first-generation college student, she reflected on the importance of support systems throughout her academic journey.

Keynote speaker Austin Warehime challenged graduates to think beyond personal achievement and consider how their work can serve others, emphasizing preparation, confidence and staying grounded in community.

Ohio University Eastern alumnus Jason Garczyk received the Austin C. Furbee Award, the campus’s highest alumni honor, recognizing service to both the university and the region. Six students also received Outstanding Student Awards recognizing academic excellence, leadership and campus engagement.

Lancaster ceremony honors teaching excellence and student achievement

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Ohio University Lancaster’s Graduation Recognition Ceremony brought together students, families, faculty, and community leaders to celebrate academic achievement and the lasting influence of the campus. The campus will mark its 70th anniversary in 2026, highlighting seven decades of educational access and community partnership.

A total of 133 graduates were recognized, including 22 associate degrees, 109 bachelor’s degrees, one master’s degree, and one doctorate, reflecting the full breadth of academic achievement at the campus.

A special moment in the ceremony came as Cynthia Boles, associate professor of instruction, received her Doctor of Education degree and was hooded by her fellow colleagues, marking a meaningful milestone shared among faculty and peers.

Interim Dean of Campus and Community Relations Martha Kline welcomed attendees and reflected on the significance of the moment, emphasizing perseverance, growth, and transition into new chapters.

Student speaker Destiny Kemmerling addressed graduates with a message of reflection and encouragement, honoring the challenges overcome and the dedication that led to graduation.

Dr. Jacqueline Tudor, associate professor of biology, delivered the commencement address, recognizing the resilience and determination of the graduating class.

A highlight of the ceremony was the Phi Theta Kappa Professor of the Year Award. Jamison Bazell presented the honor to A. Victor Jones, recognizing his exceptional commitment to student success.

Jones was praised for creating a classroom environment where students feel supported, challenged and empowered to grow. Through hands on learning, community partnerships, and engagement with real world issues, his teaching was recognized as both academically rigorous and deeply transformative. Students emphasized his ability to build confidence and help them recognize their own potential.

The ceremony also included recognition of Latin honors, military service members, and Emily Bartholic’s performance of the Alma Mater, Ohio.

Southern ceremony highlights personal achievement and faculty recognition

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Ohio University Southern celebrated its newest graduates during the campus's 70th anniversary year. The ceremony recognized 92 graduates, including 41 associate degrees, 50 bachelor's degrees and one master's degree.

The ceremony reflected the individuality of the graduating class, with decorated caps honoring family, future careers and personal journeys.

Dean Deborah Marinski opened the ceremony by tying the celebration to OHIO Southern's seven-decade milestone.

"For seven decades, we have opened our doors to students from across the region, changed lives, strengthened our community and built a legacy we can all be proud of," Marinski said.

Dr. Kim Keffer, retired professor of instruction, delivered the keynote message, encouraging graduates to lead with purpose, embrace grit and practice gratitude while remaining open to evolving goals.

Marinski presented the Outstanding Staff Award posthumously to Lisa Cantrell, an OHIO Southern alumna and longtime Student Success Advisor who passed away in March after nearly three decades of service to the campus. Cantrell's family accepted the award on her behalf as the audience rose in a standing ovation.

Other recognitions included the Spirit of Southern Award, given to Natalie Wilds, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Education; the Outstanding Faculty Award, given to Kathy Kwiatkowski, assistant professor of instruction in biology, recognized for her biology instruction and service across multiple regional campuses, including her work with the Wayne National Forest; and the Dr. Dan Evans Alumni Leadership Award, given to Nikki Thomas, a 1994 graduate whose work has supported senior housing and youth services across the tri-state region.

Zanesville ceremony celebrates growth, confidence and future impact

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Ohio University Zanesville honored its Class of 2026 during its 80th anniversary year, recognizing both student achievement and the campus’s long-standing role in providing accessible education.

Dr. Lewatis McNeal welcomed graduates and emphasized that their degrees represent growth, opportunity, and the ability to create meaningful change.

Keynote speaker Brenda Larrick encouraged graduates to value their journeys and remain confident as they move forward. She was also recognized with the Alumni Leadership Award for her professional accomplishments and community engagement.

Student speakers Lauren Johnson and Chaunce reflected on experiences that shaped their journeys at OHIO Zanesville, highlighting perseverance, storytelling and personal growth.

Graduates represented programs across nursing, education, business, psychology and social work, with many earning academic honors.

A legacy strengthened by achievement and shared experience

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Across Ohio University’s regional campuses, the Class of 2026 represents more than graduation. It reflects decades of educational access, community partnership and opportunity made possible through institutions deeply rooted in their regions. The milestone anniversaries celebrated this year underscore that legacy, while also pointing toward continued growth and service.

As graduates move forward, they carry with them the lessons, relationships, and confidence gained through their time at OHIO. They now join a global network of nearly 300,000 Bobcats across more than 150 countries, connected by a shared experience and a lifelong bond to Ohio University. Their success adds another chapter to a story that continues to shape individuals, strengthen communities, and define the future of regional higher education.

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