Terra State Community College holds 53rd Commencement ceremony
Terra State Community College honored the 53rd graduating class at commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 6. To recognize graduates, the College held two ceremonies for graduates. A livestream was also available for other friends and family to attend virtually.
Terra State President Dr. Ronald Schumacher, before the commencement ceremonies, said, “On behalf of Terra State Community College, I want to congratulate the Class of 2022! You did it! I hope as you leave Terra State Community College as a graduate, you take with you the many memories of the time you spent here. You made a great decision to invest in Terra State, and the degree(s) and/or certificate(s) that you earned are one of the most valuable investments you will ever make. I wish you all the best on your future, and I hope to meet with you as you return on campus for future events.”
Director of the Terra College Foundation Dr. Cory Stine announced that in the 53rd graduating class, 217 students are graduating with associate degrees in over 28 fields, and 127 students have earned a certificate. Additionally, the age range of graduates was 17 years old to 60 years old, 14 graduates were in high school as part of the College Credit Plus (CCP) initiative, 13 students achieved a 4.0 GPA, 64 students earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 18 were student employees and 8 are veterans.
Alexandria Maas of Fostoria, a phlebotomy graduate, delivered the student speaker address. She spoke about how each of her classmates must take time for themselves and enjoy the small victories. She affirmed that her fellow graduates must remember to be expedient, be bold and most importantly themselves as they take the next steps in their pathway.
“Graduation marks yet another chapter in our lives. We all have our own book of life that has not yet been written. Rest assured that through our schooling we have been given the proper pen and paper needed to write our own stories. You are the only one who can decide how to end your story. Endings aren’t written by circumstances. They are written by people like you,” said Maas.
Governor Mike DeWine provided the commencement address virtually. He encouraged students to persevere through difficult times in the future as they have during the pandemic.
“Now, as you bold enthusiastically graduates set off to forge new pathways in ways we only can imagine we will be cheering you on. Congratulations Terra State Titans, Class of 2022,” said DeWine.
Jacob Studebaker-Ellis, who earned his Associate of Arts, reflected on his own personal growth at Terra State as both a student and playing the role of Titus the Titan, the College’s mascot. Ellis will continue his education studying journalism at a four-year institution upon graduating, with a future goal of wanting to be a sports broadcast journalist.
“I really enjoyed my time at Terra State and I loved being the face of the College as Titus. All my experiences here made me realize that if I set my mind to something and put in the hard work, I can make it become a reality. One of my favorite memories that I will take with me is getting to interact with everyone and putting a smile on everyone’s face,” said Ellis.
Dr. Stine left the graduates with one piece of advice: “Graduates, always be proud of your accomplishment, and never stop learning and growing. It is the hope and expectation of our entire community college that Terra State has not only planted the seeds of learning in you, but that you will share your leadership and learning wherever that journey takes you.”