Ohio State will grant degrees to more than 1,900

With four languages spoken at her Hilliard home, Nori Shoji is keenly interested in current events and world affairs. Shoji, who was born and raised in Japan, has traveled extensively and hopes to use her Ohio State degree in International Studies to teach English. As an Ohio State student, she has been active in student organizations, including Ohio Staters Incorporated and several student volunteer initiatives. She also traveled to Albania during the Kosovo crisis and spent seven weeks in Zimbabwe for HIV/AIDS humanitarian outreach.

Shoji says Sept. 11 crystallized her belief in the vital roles that Americans play in the international community as leaders in promoting global security and peace. She says her experiences volunteering abroad have shown her that people are receptive to learning from Americans, and that Americans are idolized and admired by the international community, especially by the younger generation.

Shoji is one of 1,911 Ohio State University graduates who will earn a degree during summer quarter commencement at 9:30 a.m. Friday (8/30) at the Jerome Schottenstein Center.

Marketing Professor Roger Blackwell will give the commencement address, and is expected to give an entertaining talk on “What it means to be a Buckeye.”

WHAT: Summer quarter commencement exercises

WHEN: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 30

WHERE: Jerome Schottenstein Center

WHY: Ohio State celebrates academic excellence and Buckeye spirit.