The Clark State College class of 2021 will celebrate with a virtual commencement ceremony available for online viewing at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 15.
“As we come to the end of an academic year like no other, it is certainly time to reflect on the challenges and opportunities presented in the past fourteen months,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State College. “During our ceremony, I will confer more than 500 degrees and certificates, and it is of particular note that these graduates possess the determination, resilience, and commitment to persist to realize their dreams. It is indeed a celebration of the remarkable spirit that each student embodies.”
Clark State graduate Morgan King will offer the commencement speech. King said she chose Clark State for a more detailed degree and because the college fit her financial needs as a student. She will speak on perseverance through difficult times.
“We have had a rough patch this past year, and I think people should be able to see that they overcame that,” said King. “Clark State has helped me overcome educational dilemmas where I felt like I wasn't good enough in life. I challenged myself and also see a brighter future because I was challenged enough to succeed.”
King will receive an Associate of Science degree and she is currently studying Business Management at Wright State, where she plans to earn a bachelor's degree.
The Clark State virtual commencement ceremony will also include:
- The National Anthem by Network and Systems Administrator Nathan Walters
- Welcome from Clark State Chairman of the Board Brad Phillips
- Presentation of the Class of 2021 by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Tiffany Hunter
- Conferring of Degrees and Certificates with Dr. Jo Alice Blondin
- Induction into the Alumni Association by Clark State Foundation Board Chair Mitch Hurst
- Closing Remarks from Senior Vice President of Technology, Safety and Strategic Initiatives Dr. Matt Franz
Andrew Bubp will be one of the first graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree from Clark State since the college’s inception more than 60 years ago. Bubp graduated from Clark State for the first time with an associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in the fall of 1998.
Bubp, a territory manager for Ag Growth International, said Clark State's program does a great job of teaching the next phase in manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and providing guidance for future leadership in the manufacturing industry. He said it feels amazing to be a part of the first class of Clark State bachelor’s degree graduates.
“Holding my bachelor's degree will help with future opportunities inside our company,” he said. “This degree will broaden the window of positions available to me. I think I appreciate it a little more as an older adult student. Balancing, work, life, everyday struggles, and classes was a balancing act that was worth the end result. I am proud to be a part of the program Clark State has put together. I believe it will lead to local graduates having an impact in the workplace.”
Blondin said Clark State students have always been incredibly motivated and resilient, and those characteristics have been tested and strongly demonstrated by the Class of 2021. “The Board, faculty and staff all recognize the commitment it takes to graduate in any given year, but this year’s graduating class overcame extraordinary challenges to do so.”
The Clark State class of 2021 features:
- 6 Bachelor’s degrees
- 515 Associate Degrees
- 81 Certificates
- 20 students receiving two credentials
- 26 students graduating with a minimum 4.0 GPA
- 149 students graduating with a minimum 3.5 GPA
- 17 Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist or Veteran graduates
- The oldest graduate is 69-years-old, the youngest graduate is 14-years-old
- 31 College Credit Plus graduates
- 11 student athletes
- 86 Phi Theta Kappa members
- 22 Epsilon Pi Tau members
- 1 SALUTE Honor Roll member
“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. The video will be available on our website and social media,” said Nina Wiley, dean of student engagement and support services at Clark State. “We encourage our Class of 2021, their friends and families and our entire Clark State community to gather together online and recognize our students’ accomplishments on May 15.”
The virtual commencement ceremony is available for viewing at: https://www.clarkstate.edu/academics/graduation/2021-virtual-graduation/