Facts on Spring 2018 Commencement

Facts on Spring 2018 Commencement

The Ohio State University

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Noon, Ohio Stadium

Number of degrees and certificates

PRESIDING OFFICER: President Michael V. Drake

WELCOMING REMARKS: Javaune Adams-Gaston, senior vice president for student life

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER: Dr. Susan Desmond-Hellmann, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

STUDENT SPEAKERS: Elizabeth H. Beattey, a native of Nashport and candidate for the bachelor of science in health sciences; and Shweta Ambwani, a native of Dublin and candidate for the bachelor of science in data analytics.

HONORARY DEGREES: The university will award the honorary Doctor of Science degree to Dr. Susan Desmond-Hellmann, the commencement speaker.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS: Distinguished Service Awards will be presented to Bobby D. Moser, who served as dean and vice president of agricultural administration for 20 years; David E. Schuller, who attended medical school at Ohio State and rose to become the first director of The James and deputy director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Iris S. Wolstein (in absentia), a strong advocate for the university with a passion for making Ohio State a leader in education and athletics.

NATIONAL ANTHEM and CARMEN OHIO: Justin Fields, candidate, master of arts and master of music

ABOUT THE GRADUATING CLASS:

• The 2018 graduating class size is the largest in university history for the fourth consecutive year, surpassing previous records of 11,734 in 2017, 11,235 set in 2016, and 11,040 set in 2015.
• Approximately 1,700 – or one in five – baccalaureate degree recipients are first in their family to graduate from college. Last year, approximately 1,500 were first generation college graduates.