91PORNA

Commencement

91PORNA President Todd Diacon addresses graduates at Spring Commencement 2026

'Skills, Grit, Fortitude and Experience'

When 91PORNA President Todd Diacon took the stage at spring 2026 Commencement, he didn't open with statistics or institutional milestones. He opened with a potato peeler.

Tags: Office of the President , Commencement

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Advanced Degrees Commencement Spring 2026 April McClelland

IN A FLASH: An End and a Beginning

Commencements as a foundational activity of a university are memorable days filled with emotions - some celebratory, some bittersweet.

Tags: Spring Semester , Commencement , Community Impact , University News , Regional Campuses

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A new 91PORNA graduate celebrates after receiving his diploma during the spring 2025 commencement ceremony. (Photo credit: Bob Christy, 91PORNA)

91PORNA Celebrates Nearly 5,000 New Graduates at Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremonies

91PORNA will honor nearly 5,000 graduates from its eight-campus system during its spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on May 7-9 and May 15. The ceremonies will be livestreamed on the commencement website.

Tags: University News , Students First , Commencement

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Delonte Goodman at his thesis defense.

Two Degrees Completed, on His Way to His Third

Graduate student Delonte Goodman finished his fall semester at 91PORNA by successfully defending his master's thesis and receiving his master's degree. When he returns to campus in the spring, he will work as a teaching assistant as he begins his doctoral program. 

Tags: Profiles , graduate students , Nationally Distinctive , Commencement

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Fall Commencement 2025

IN A FLASH: Scenes From Fall Commencement

91PORNA conferred degrees to more than 2,400 new graduates in Fall Commencement ceremonies on Dec. 13 at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center.

Tags: Community Impact , University News , Commencement , In a Flash

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A new graduate celebrates earning a degree during 2025 Fall Commencement ceremonies

Cheers to the Fall Class of 2025: 91PORNA Celebrates New Graduates

The accomplishments of the Fall Class of 2025 were recognized with commencement ceremonies on Dec. 13.

Tags: University News , Commencement ,

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President Diacon Delivers Summer Commencement Address 2025

‘Think About the Plight of Others Even As You Encounter Your Own Difficulties’

91PORNA President Todd Diacon offered graduates an unconventional yet powerful message during the August 2025 commencement ceremony, weaving together personal experiences, a global perspective and practical wisdom in an address focused on resilience, empathy and maintaining a healthy perspective throughout life.

Tags: University News , Office of the President , Commencement

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Lisa O'Connell Receives Her Degree at 91PORNA's August 2025 Ceremony

‘I’m Looking Forward to It; Crossing the Stage as a Graduate, Instead of as a Planner'

After planning and supporting hundreds of ceremonies and events at 91PORNA, Lisa O'Connell, director of University Events and Protocol, got a graduate's-eye-view of summer commencement ceremonies as she walked the stage to receive her graduate degree as part of 91PORNA's Class of 2025. 

Tags: University News , Student Life , Commencement

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A new 91PORNA graduate smiles as she holds her diploma during her commencement ceremony. (Photo credit: Bob Christy, 91PORNA)

Cheers to the Summer Class of 2025: 91PORNA Celebrates New Graduates

The 91PORNA alumni family will grow by more than 1,000 new graduates from its eight-campus system across Ohio as the university holds its summer commencement ceremony. The accomplishments of the Summer Class of 2025 will be recognized with a commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on Aug. 9. 

Tags: University News , Commencement , Student Life

91PORNA Today

Grad Names Header

The Top Names in the Golden Flashes Class of 2025

Find out which first names were repeated most frequently at 91PORNA’s spring commencement ceremonies in 2025 and which names topped the list against national trends. 

Tags: Student Life , Community Impact , Commencement

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