{"id":149775,"date":"2024-04-27T11:00:25","date_gmt":"2024-04-27T15:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/?p=149775"},"modified":"2024-05-10T08:29:04","modified_gmt":"2024-05-10T12:29:04","slug":"nearly-1500-students-graduate-at-wright-states-spring-commencement-ceremonies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/2024\/04\/27\/nearly-1500-students-graduate-at-wright-states-spring-commencement-ceremonies\/","title":{"rendered":"Nearly 1,500 students graduate at Wright State\u2019s spring commencement ceremonies"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Wright State held its spring graduate ceremony on April 26 and its undergraduate ceremony on April 27\u00a0 in the Wright State University Nutter Center. (Photos by Erin Pence)<\/p><\/div>\n

Nearly 1,500 students graduated during Wright State University\u2019s spring commencement ceremonies<\/a> in the Wright State University Nutter Center on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27.<\/p>\n

The 1,494 graduates joined more than 120,000 Wright State alumni who are making a difference throughout Raider Country, all over Ohio, across the nation and around the world.<\/p>\n

The commencement ceremonies featured a short congratulatory video from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.<\/p>\n

Wright State President Sue Edwards, Ph.D., addressed the spring class of 2024, urging students, family and friends to savor the accomplishment of earning a college degree and continue their drive toward the next adventure while remembering those who supported them along the way.<\/p>\n

“I am sure that you have faced challenges and overcome them to get to this point. However, you did not do it alone,” said Edwards. “You were supported and encouraged by people who care for you deeply, such as your family, friends, faculty, advisors, staff and mentors. Please consider the people who have supported and helped you to reach this point. They are proud of you. Take a moment today to acknowledge those who have invested in you, believed in you and given so much to you as you have been on this journey.”<\/p>\n

See photos from the spring commencement ceremonies >><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Edwards praised graduates for their persistence and resiliency.<\/p>\n

“You got here because of your drive, tenacity and grit. Not only that but your willingness to evolve in changing conditions. To grow. You got here because you believed in yourself even when times were hard,” said Edwards. “On this commencement day, you have set your path. You are moving forward. And the path ahead has endless possibilities. Always remember that only you are in control of your destiny and happiness.”<\/p>\n

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Wright State University President Sue Edwards congratulating students at Wright State’s 2024 spring commencement ceremony.<\/p><\/div>\n

Finally, Edwards shared some heartfelt thoughts about the value of authenticity. She urged graduates to harness it as a superpower as they continue to achieve and grow.<\/p>\n

“Throughout your years of schooling, you have been encouraged to excel, to pursue your passions and to strive for success. But amid the pursuit of academic excellence, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters \u2014 your authenticity,” said Edwards. “Being authentic means embracing who you are at your core, without fear or reservation. It’s about owning your values, strengths and flaws and honoring them.<\/p>\n

“In a world that constantly tries to shape us into something we’re not, authenticity is a superpower,” she said. “Embracing your authenticity is not always easy. It requires courage, vulnerability and a willingness to stand out from the crowd. But it’s worth it. When you live authentically, you attract people and opportunities that resonate with who you are. You create deeper connections, cultivate genuine relationships, and make meaningful impacts on the world around you.<\/p>\n

“So, as you move on from today\u2019s momentous occasion, I urge you to be bold, be authentic, always give it your best,” said Edwards. “Show the world just what Wright State Raiders are truly made of!”<\/p>\n

Wright State\u2019s spring class of 2024 included graduates with 990 bachelor\u2019s degrees, 479 master\u2019s degrees, 30 associate degrees and 17 doctoral degrees.<\/p>\n

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\nThe classes featured 248 international students from 22 different countries. India boasted the largest number of international graduates, with 205.<\/p>\n

Eight students were the youngest graduates of the class at 19 years old. Four of them earned bachelor\u2019s degrees in biological sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, physiology and neuroscience, and technical and applied studies, respectively. Four others earned associate degrees in business and administration. The oldest graduate is 67, having earned a bachelor\u2019s degree in music.<\/p>\n

Graduates by college:<\/strong><\/p>\n