Ohio State graduates reflect on ‘extraordinary experience’

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Ohio State graduates reflect on 'extraordinary experience'

1,919 degrees and certificates awarded at summer commencement

More than 1,000 graduates and their families crowded the Schottenstein Center to celebrate the 443rd commencement of The Ohio State University Sunday. While degrees were the focus of the day, university President Ravi V. Bellamkonda encouraged graduates to remember the bigger picture.

"Your journey here isn't captured by the degree you're getting alone," he said. "It has been, and I know from personal experience, an amazing experience to be part of the Buckeye family. In my time here over the last year, that's what I realized.

"The Ohio State University is not just the buildings, not just the degrees or the campus," he continued. "It is a total immersive experience to be here. And it's not just any experience; it's an extraordinary experience that we share together."

Speaker Lars Bildsten, the Frederick W. Gluck Chair in Theoretical Physics and director of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, shared his excitement in attending the event.

A 1985 Ohio State alumnus, Bildsten missed his own commencement, having already left for graduate school, he said.

"It is wonderful to be here," he said. "Little did I know it would take me 41 years."

Bildsten shared advice with graduates: Be patient, listen and serve the community.

"When you have an opportunity to give back, I would encourage you to really dive in and do it," he said. "Whether it be volunteering in your community, mentoring an early-career person in your discipline or collaborating maybe on projects outside of your immediate expertise, you have a lot to offer. And I can guarantee that you will find it very satisfying and very life-enriching to do that."

Bellamkonda echoed the importance of serving the community.

"You all have a rich understanding of what it means to use your education for citizenship," he said. "You have the notion of service in your heart. You are ready to answer the call to serve a greater good."

Bildsten was also presented with the Joseph Sullivant Medal, awarded every five years to a university community member in honor of their extraordinary achievements and service. Matthew J. Desch received the university's Distinguished Service Award.

Of the 1,919 degrees and certificates awarded during the ceremony, 298 were doctorates, 678 master's, 15 professional, and 928 undergraduate and associate degrees and certificates.

Nearly 55 countries were represented in the graduating class, including Australia, India, Peru and Nigeria.

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