Ohio Wesleyan University celebrated its 181st commencement ceremony on May 10, 2025, marking the graduation of the Class of 2025. The event featured keynote speaker Jasmine Guy, a Hollywood icon known for her role in "A Different World." Guy encouraged graduates to "Go change the world, Bishops!" and emphasized their readiness to apply their education in real-world challenges.
Local graduates included Lydia Luna from Mount Vernon, Ohio, who majored in Environmental Studies with minors in Geography and Zoology; Celeste McKinley from Fredericktown, Ohio, majoring in Biology; Alyssa Perkins from Fredericktown, Ohio, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Sociology/Anthropology; Gavin Wilson from Gambier, Ohio, majoring in Health and Human Kinetics: Exercise Science; and Grace Zoldak from Mount Vernon, Ohio, majoring in History with a minor in English.
Amara Carlson of Dublin, Ohio also addressed her classmates, urging them to create and seize opportunities. "The world needs your energy, your compassion, and your ideas," she said.
Ohio Wesleyan President Matt vandenBerg highlighted the value of a liberal arts education. He said that it prepares students to collaborate across disciplines and understand diverse perspectives. "Lead the way you've been trained - with clarity, with courage," he concluded.
During the ceremony attended by 315 graduates receiving diplomas, five students achieved perfect GPAs: Spencer Amacher from Virginia; Savannah Domenech from New York; Sidney Lewis from Ohio; Grace Martin from Ohio; and Kenzie Votaw from Delaware.
Three faculty members received awards for excellence: Elizabeth Nix for teaching encouragement; Laurel Anderson for meritorious teaching; and Ramon Carreno for scholarly achievement. Additionally, retiring faculty Xiaoming Chen, Michael Esler, and Barbara MacLeod were honored for their service.
President vandenBerg closed the ceremony with a benediction encouraging alumni to share their knowledge globally. The event is available online at www.owu.edu/stream.
Ohio Wesleyan University offers over 70 undergraduate majors and participates in NCAA Division III sports. It is recognized as one of the nation's leading liberal arts universities.
