{"id":116612,"date":"2021-12-11T10:45:37","date_gmt":"2021-12-11T15:45:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/?p=116612"},"modified":"2022-12-02T15:34:29","modified_gmt":"2022-12-02T20:34:29","slug":"nearly-1200-students-graduate-at-wright-states-fall-commencement-ceremonies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/2021\/12\/11\/nearly-1200-students-graduate-at-wright-states-fall-commencement-ceremonies\/","title":{"rendered":"Nearly 1,200 students graduate at Wright State\u2019s fall commencement ceremonies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Wright State University held commencement ceremonies in the Wright State Nutter Center for its Graduate School on Dec. 10, and for undergraduate students on Dec. 11.<\/p><\/div>\n

Graduating students and their families celebrated the culmination of their education at Wright State University\u2019s fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Wright State Nutter Center.<\/p>\n

The graduates joined more than 116,000 alumni who are making a difference throughout Raider Country, all over Ohio, across the nation and around the world.<\/p>\n

The ceremonies included a brief video message from Gov. Mike DeWine, who said, \u201cThe state of Ohio and the Dayton region need Wright State graduates like you. We succeed when you succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n

View the Newsroom\u2019s fall graduation photo gallery<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wright State University President Sue Edwards, Ph.D., addressed the class, urging students, family and friends to savor the accomplishment of earning a college degree and to drive toward their next adventure.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe world has changed in many ways since you started your educational journey at Wright State University,\u201d said Edwards. \u201cIt has been a time of great challenge but also one of great opportunity. Because you are here today I know you have met those challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew attention to the unique experiences graduates acquired under the circumstances, skills developed to cope and thrive in the pandemic, and the invaluable traits this class used to cross the finish line.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had the drive to go to college. \u2026 You took the initiative to figure out how to apply yourself.\u2026 You, time and time again, showed your adaptability. \u2026 You demonstrated the persistence employers are desperate for. … You quite simply are resilient,\u201d said Edwards. \u201cWe celebrate not just your success as a student today but also your uniquely honed ability to overcome obstacles in front of you and succeed in ways you might not have dreamed you ever would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Edwards called attention to the many paths that graduating students walked to earn their degrees, noting that some students came directly from high school, some transferred from other universities, and still others came to Wright State after earning degrees at community college partners.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust as there is no singular path that brings every graduate to this wonderful moment, there is also no single answer for what path to take next,\u201d said Edwards. \u201cAll that matters is that you got yourself here and you are ready to take the next step in your journey now armed with a valuable college degree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Edwards left graduates with a simple request and a bit of advice that she said had served as an important reminder for her in moments like these.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may say to ourselves, \u2018wow, we managed to get through that?\u2019 \u2018Look how far we have come.\u2019 \u2018Look at what we just proved we can do.\u2019 Spend a few moments today and do that,\u201d said Edwards. \u201cBut I\u2019d caution you with a simple bit of advice that\u2019s served me well through the years. It\u2019s one that I\u2019ve come to appreciate even more these days. Don\u2019t look back. You\u2019re not going that way.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn this commencement day, you have set your path. You are moving forward,” she continued. “Your path ahead has endless possibilities. I beg of you today to set your sights on the future. Spend most of your time driving toward your next adventure. Visualize where you are going and make a plan for turning that into reality. And show the world what Wright State Raiders are truly made of!<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations, fall class of 2021! You are truly awesome! Go forth and be brilliant!\u201d<\/p>\n

The summer and fall classes of 2021 included graduates with 749 bachelor\u2019s degrees, 360 master\u2019s degrees, 53 doctoral degrees and 19 associate degrees.<\/p>\n

The classes featured 89 international students from 23 different countries. India boasted the largest number of international graduates, with 40.<\/p>\n

The four youngest graduating students were 19, earning an associate degree in business and administration and bachelor\u2019s degrees in management, psychology and sports science. The two oldest graduates were 65, earning a bachelor\u2019s degree in psychology and a master\u2019s degree in organizational studies.<\/p>\n