Class of 2024 — congratulations!
I can’t tell you how proud I am of you, and how honored I am to recognize each and every one of you as a remarkable group of Buckeyes.
But as proud as I am of you, I know there are many others here today who are even more proud. Let’s give a round of applause to the parents, the family members, the friends, the faculty, the staff and everyone else who helped you earn a seat here this afternoon.
As I said, it’s an honor to celebrate you, the Class of 2024. And, my, what a class this is.
The 1,779 degrees and certificates you have earned may be the highest number the university has awarded during a summer commencement dating all the way back to August 2013. Your areas of study represent the amazing breadth of our university — everything from chemical engineering and pharmacy to music, social work and IT strategy. You’re also proof that you’re never too old or too young for teaching and learning. The most seasoned of you are 65 years old. And the youngest getting a degree today is just 18 years old. How about that!
For more than half of you, this isn’t your first experience with higher education. You signed up to earn another degree or a certificate or to make a bigger difference for your community, your family and yourself. For many others, this is your first college degree. And I know what you’ve learned on our campuses will set you on a path of discovery and service for the rest of your life.
Regardless of why you came to this phenomenal university and how you reached this moment, all of you chose to become Buckeyes. And, as Buckeyes, I want you to keep one thing at the forefront of your mind throughout the journey to come.
That’s our university’s motto: “Education for Citizenship.” Those three words, together, mean two very important things.
First, they remind us that we are all citizens, not just of any one nation or state — but of the world and of every community we’re a part of. These communities are our workplaces, our neighborhoods, social organizations, faith groups, our campuses. Being a member of these communities gives us certain benefits, but we have to give something in return.
The second thing about our motto gets at both the “what” and the “how” of this responsibility.
The education you earned as an Ohio State student has prepared each of you to be contributing members and leaders — to be good citizens — in every one of your communities. Throughout our lives, each of us has the opportunity — and I believe obligation — to serve these communities, to give back or pay forward so they can be better for those who follow us. This service can take many different forms. All of them are valuable.
Before I joined Buckeye Nation, I wore the uniform of our nation for 38 years as an officer in the United States Navy. Factor in my career in public higher education, both during and after my time in uniform, and service has defined most of my life.
Looking back at all I’ve experienced up to, and including, being here with you this very moment today, I can’t imagine a more rewarding path.
So, whether you do it full-time or in your spare time, I hope all of you will serve your communities in some way. And I hope you do it with the same purpose, creativity and collaborative spirit that make being a Buckeye so unique.
Graduates — you’ve participated in, and you successfully completed, your education. You’ve been an impactful part of our Buckeye community. Now, take what you’ve learned here at Ohio State and make your own path, wherever and however it takes you. The global Buckeye community and more than 608,000 fellow alumni are eager to welcome you. And all of us are excited to see everything you do next.
Congratulations, Class of 2024. And — as always and forever — go Bucks!