Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) held its spring commencement ceremony on May 2, celebrating the achievements of 360 graduates. This marks the largest graduating class since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to COTC President John M. Berry, PhD.
President Berry and Provost Greg Ferenchak, EdD, opened the event by encouraging graduates to take pride in their accomplishments. They also recognized Thomas Comisford, an assistant professor who has been with the college since 1994, as the ceremony's mace bearer.
Jessica Kinser was one of the keynote speakers at the event. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a learning disability and a cancer diagnosis during her studies, Kinser graduated with a bachelor's degree in diagnostic medical sonography. "Where you get your education matters," she said. "I can honestly say that being a student at COTC saved my life."
Kinser emphasized resilience in her speech: "Your past does not define you. Your challenges do not have to defeat you," she said.
The second keynote speaker was Timothy Young, a 1990 graduate of COTC's business management technology program and current president and CEO of Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries. Young discussed intelligence beyond academic grades: "Real intelligence is about how you think. It’s curiosity with a purpose."
President Berry concluded the ceremony by challenging graduates to aim for significance beyond success: "You have demonstrated your ability to change your lives... Now, I want you to take that gift and make the world a better place."
COTC remains committed to providing high-quality technical education across its four campuses in Newark, Coshocton, Knox, and Pataskala.
