T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Members of the Ohio University Eastern Class of 2025 eagerly wait to receive their diplomas at the ECO Center.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Ohio University Eastern honored graduating seniors at a Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday evening at the ECO Center.

Ohio University Eastern Dean of Campus and Community Relations David Rohall opened the ceremony by honoring the accomplishments of the graduates and the dedication of the faculty, staff and community who supported them along the way. He reflected on the unique strengths of the OHIO Eastern experience.

“Graduates, you can be proud of what you’ve achieved here, not only because of the hard work you’ve put in, but because you were guided by some of the most dedicated educators in the country,” Rohall said. “What makes this campus truly special is that even as you leave to begin your careers, many of you will remain rooted in this community. And that means you’ll continue to have access to our people, our events and our resources. You’re not just alumni, you’re lifelong members of the Ohio Eastern family.”

Student speaker Terra Shriver of Jerusalem addressed the crowd, reflecting on perseverance, personal growth and gratitude, celebrating the collective strength of the Class of 2025.

“It’s a surreal and deeply humbling moment to stand before you today,” Shriver said. “This journey has taught me that success isn’t just about the finish line; it’s about the resilience we discovered in the face of doubt and the strength we found to keep showing up. I’m leaving here not only with a degree, but with a deeper understanding of myself, of what it means to grow, and of the power of community. We didn’t get here alone, and we won’t walk forward alone, either. We carry with us every lesson, every late-night study session, every person who believes in us. That’s what makes this moment so powerful.”

Shriver graduates with summa cum laude honors, earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education.

After graduation, she plans to secure a teaching position near her hometown.

Randy Lucas, superintendent of the East Central Ohio Education Resource Center and the 2025 recipient of the Austin Furbee Award, delivered the keynote address, offering a message filled with humility, practical insight and heartfelt encouragement.

“I do not accept this award as my award. I accept it as a team award. I am simply one voice in a chorus of dedicated educators and leaders who work every day to make a difference,” Lucas said.

He then encouraged graduates to see the day as more than a milestone.

“Today isn’t just about a diploma, it’s about perseverance, growth and the power of your potential,” he said.

Drawing on decades of experience in education, he reminded the class that success isn’t accidental.

“The future doesn’t just happen,” he said. “You build it decision by decision, step by step.”

He then offered advice for the workplace, urging students to become more than just employees. “Employers are not just looking for another employee, they want a good team member. Someone who collaborates, communicates and elevates those around them,” he said. “Self-awareness leads to confidence. And confidence, rooted in who you truly are, is unstoppable.”

He encouraged graduates to seek meaningful work that aligns with their strengths and values. “When you get to bring your best self to work — your natural talents and passions — work doesn’t feel like a burden; it feels like a calling,” he said. “Nobody should have to get up every day and dread going to work. Life’s too short for that. So, chase what makes you feel alive — and build a life you’re excited to wake up to.”

Brenen Craig, Macie Ging, Abigail Lish and Terra Shriver received the Outstanding Student Award in their fields of study. These awards recognize students who have contributed holistically to not just their academic program, but also to the Eastern campus and surrounding community. These students maintain a high GPA, participate in various on-campus activities, and serve as role models for their fellow students.

Kimberly Ciroli, associate professor of instruction was recognized as the 2025 Regional Higher Education Outstanding Instructional Faculty, an honor that celebrates regional campus faculty who have demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching, scholarship and service over the past three years.

James Casebolt, associate professor of psychology, presented the following graduation candidates:

Aliza Bates, Reese Capalingo, Grace Eller, Layla Gasser, Noah Hinkle and Carly Marchbank to receive associate degrees.

Hunter Blake, Colton Burnheimer, Serina Carpenter, Sydney Carpenter, Alleigh Cheatham, Heather Cline, Brenen Craig, Justin Curry, Erica Doyle, Hunter Duffey, Jacob Edwards, Luke Figel, Gabrielle Fulst, Lindsay Gaschler, Macie Ging, Lauren Hamilton, Jessica Hartley, Noah Hinkle, Tiffany Hoffman, Auston Hogue, Brooke Johnson, Jess Kuhn, Abigail Lish, Olivia Muncy, Brenden Marcum, Holly Marangos-Fulton, Maddy Oliver, Casara Orr, Tera Parrish, Eric Polk, Kylie Quinn, Isabella Parker, Tyson Randall, Grace Reed, Jared Reitter, Brock Sempirek, Terra Shriver, Mackenzie Shultz-Flynn, Meghan Shultz, Chloe Smith, Emily Smith, Olivia Starr, Alexis Stead, Cassidy Stegman, Evan Voleck, Alex Wade and Charles Waugh to receive bachelor’s degrees.