First-year students celebrated at inaugural certificate ceremony

With applause echoing through the Student Union, nearly 500 students, family members, faculty and staff gathered on April 16 to celebrate a defining milestone — the completion of the first year — at Wright State University’s inaugural First-Year Certificate Ceremony.

Students were recognized with individual certificate presentations held throughout the Student Union, followed by a larger celebration in the Apollo Room that featured interactive experience stations, a dozen $500 scholarship raffles and opportunities to reflect on their first-year journeys.

“We invited students and their families to celebrate completing the first year of college,” said Catherine Hernandez Hogan, assistant vice provost for academic engagement. “A milestone that represents not just a moment, but momentum.”

Hogan emphasized the importance of connection in student success.

“I firmly believe student retention is relational,” she said. “We meet students where they are, build meaningful connections and encourage them to fully engage in their academic journey so they can persist and ultimately earn a degree that will impact their lives, their families and their communities.”

The end of the ceremony included students forming a large “2” to symbolize their transition into their second year.

“I think this was really good,” said Lincoln Arnett, a first-year finance major who attended the event with family.

Laura Luehrmann, Ph.D., vice provost for undergraduate education, praised the strong turnout and the impact of the evening.

“This was an outstanding event, celebrating the achievements of our first-year students, honoring the significant transitions that they have experienced and watching them deepen their knowledge and commitment to their academic journeys,” said Luehrmann. “Multiple families approached me with gratitude for being included in the celebrations. It was heartwarming to see the deep support networks of family and friends, all celebrating our treasured students.”