RAIN DOESN’T DAMPEN BIG DAY
OSU holds first in-person commencement since pandemic
Cheyenne Wagner’s senior year at Ohio State University wasn’t quite what she imagined it would be.since
the start of the academic year, Wagner and thousands of her fellow students have been on a roller coaster as the university transitioned through the spring to a mix of in-person and online courses. As the COVID-19 pandemic lingered on, the university canceled fall and spring breaks as it implemented a variety of health measures for students and staff members, including regular testing and mandated face masks.
It came as a pleasant surprise to Wagner, 22, when she learned in March that – at the very least – she would get to take part in an in-person graduation ceremony at the historic Ohio Stadium. But even that momentous occasion was marred as those who attended the spring commencement on Sunday were subjected to downpours of rain.
Wagner, who was graduating with a degree in agricultural communication, took it in stride.
“It sucks that it’s a rainy day, but I guess I can’t be too picky,” said Wagner, who grew up in Woodsfield in southeastern Ohio. “At least we are having an in-person graduation.”
Sunday’s graduation proceedings were the first the university has hosted in person since December 2019, the last commencement ceremony
before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, thenpresident Michael V. Drake delivered his final spring commencement speech to an empty stadium and the ceremony’s commencement speaker, Apple CEO Tim Cook, teleconferenced in.
This year, Ohio State’s Office of Student Life conducted a survey in which 86% of the 4,245 participants were in favor of an in-person commencement ceremony. And so, with the assistance of Columbus health officials, plans were made to ensure students and their guests would be able to celebrate safely.
In a series of firsts, this year’s commencement was split into two ceremonies – one at 11 a.m. and another at 3 p.m. – to allow for social distancing. As is tradition, graduates still received their diplomas at the ceremony as opposed to in the mail, but instead of walking across a field to a stage, they were handed their degrees when they checked in at the stadium gate entrances.
Each graduating student was allowed two guests and they were seated at least 6 feet away from other parties. A livestream was also available for those who preferred to watch remotely.
But for those who did defy the ominous weather forecast, they were met with rain that lasted throughout the duration of the 90-minute presentation. Many wore ponchos and held umbrellas aloft as Ohio State awarded a total of 12,345 degrees and certificates.
Ohio State also conferred honorary doctorate degrees upon U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, veteran NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa and chemical engineer Robert Langer.
The ceremony’s commencement speaker, Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of Jpmorgan Chase, delivered virtual remarks. Wearing an Ohio State University polo shirt, Dimon said the university alumni comprises many of those who Jpmorgan Chase employs in Columbus and central Ohio.
In a speech lasting about 10 minutes, Dimon addressed the turbulent world that awaits the graduates: one defined not only by a catastrophic pandemic, but movements for social justice and racial equality. He also lauded the potential for innovation and emphasized the importance of improving equal access
to education and health care.
“You’re graduating at a moment of great uncertainty in the economy, politics and the world at large,” he told the students. “Your graduation here today shows you have what it takes to persevere.
“We have the opportunity to make the world a better place for ourselves, for our children and for our grandchildren.”
Ohio State President Kristina M. Johnson praised the graduating class’s resiliency amid unprecedented circumstances. Of note, Johnson said, was that
the student body had helped to lower the seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate at the university from 6% at the beginning of the year to 0.5% at year end.
“Because of your persistence and your undaunted Buckeye spirit, you made it,” Johnson told the crowd. “You’ve seen tremendous challenges and you helped us tackle tremendous challenges.”
Wearing a cap custom decorated with a sunset and cactus design and featuring the words “this is where the cowgirl rides away” – an homage to a
George Strait song – Wagner was among those who braved the bad weather conditions. A third-generation Buckeye, Wagner wasn’t about to let a little rain stop her from attending the proceedings with her parents, Mike and Kim Wagner, who had traveled Sunday morning from New Concord in eastern Ohio to celebrate with her.
“I was going to be very disappointed if we didn’t have a graduation,” Wagner said. “It means a lot; I always wanted to go to Ohio State.” elagatta@dispatch.com @Ericlagatta