Central Ohio Technical College hosted its spring 2026 commencement ceremony on May 8, honoring graduates who completed their degree and certificate requirements for the semester.
COTC President John M. Berry, PhD, presided over the event, which included the first graduating classes from the college’s respiratory therapy technology and RN to BSN programs. "They will send passionate, skilled healthcare professionals into the communities that need them most," Berry said. "History was made here today."
These new degrees are now part of more than 20,000 credentials COTC has awarded to over 18,000 graduates. The college reached both milestones during this ceremony, where two graduates delivered keynote speeches.
Ally Simon represented the respiratory therapy technology program in her address. "When we first started this journey, there was no roadmap," Simon said. "We stepped into something new and trusted the process even when the path wasn’t always clear. In a lot of ways, we didn’t just complete this program — we helped build it." She continued: "We’re stepping into roles that require more than just knowledge and technical skill. It’s about bringing compassion, patience and humanity into every interaction. We have the opportunity to make a real difference. If this journey has proven anything, it’s that we are capable of far more than we ever imagined."
Brian Haught also spoke at the ceremony after receiving this year’s John C. "Jay" Barker Community Service Alumni Award for his professional achievements and volunteer work in Licking County. Haught graduated from COTC in 2007 with a digital media design technology degree and has worked in marketing roles at local organizations as well as serving as president of Mental Health America of Licking County. He currently works as an outreach manager for Licking County Aging Partners connecting older adults with resources. "It isn’t a moment," Haught said about success. "It’s what you build over time. If there’s anything I can offer you today, it’s a few ways ‘to be.’ Be present. Be curious. Be open. Be kind. Be silly. Be patient. Be intentional. If you can do that — even imperfectly — that’s the kind of success that actually lasts." He concluded: "Congratulations, COTC graduates," Haught said."Now go be."
COTC is a fully accredited public college providing technical education programs across four campus locations: Newark, Coshocton, Knox and Pataskala.
More information about Central Ohio Technical College is available at the organization's website.
