Commencement weekend begins at Youngstown State

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Saturday was the first day of Youngstown State’s Spring 2024 Commencement weekend.

Hundreds of friends and families gathered inside YSU’s Beeghly Center to see 1,800 graduates walk across the stage.

For some students, this was their first time having a “normal” commencement after graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing graduate Rebecca Horn was finally able to walk in front of a crowd.

“So, because of COVID, our class in high school got to cross the stage but there was no audience. So, it didn’t feel that meaningful. So I’m really excited today because I get to see like actual people at this graduation. It just feels more special this time,” said Horn.

There are no tickets for attending commencement. Families and friends are encouraged to attend.

Some graduates like Gabriella Davila are graduating in front of their children. Something Davila says YSU made possible.

“YSU has been so adapting. Especially, I went back when my son was only six months and my professor and my program really adapted to motherhood with me and helped me along my journey, and honestly, I wouldn’t be able to do this if it wasn’t for the amazing program and my professors,” said Davila.

The largest graduating class comes from the College of Graduate Studies. Judin Balella was the student speaker and graduated with a Master’s in Professional Communications. He’s from Italy but plans to stay and work in Ohio.

“The College of Business has been extremely helpful for allowing me to find an internship as a freshman and now become a full-time job — and who knows what exciting things are there for me, so YSU has really been a catalyst,” said Balella.

Commencement is often the finish line, but some graduates are turning right back around to hit the books. Asenath Mosoti was a teacher in Kenya and came to YSU for her master’s.

“I’m looking forward to having a PhD in education. I look forward to being a lecturer of course, and I think I will enjoy inspiring lives,” said Mosoti.

Sunday more graduating students will take the stage at Beeghly Center to wrap up the 2024 Spring Commencements.

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