Presiding over the ceremonies were Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D., dean of the Salem Campus, and Bradley Bielski, Ph.D., dean of the East Liverpool Campus.

The keynote speaker was Ohio Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana), a lifelong resident of Columbiana County and Crestview High School graduate.

In her address to the graduates, Blasdel acknowledged the strong pull this area has on its residents through local traditions, heritage and communities.

“Here, in the familiar embrace of Columbiana County, we celebrate a significant milestone – the finale of your academic journey and the exciting dawn of your next chapter,” she began.

From left, Harlie Lambright, Rachel DeRenzis, graduating with Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, and Katie Muldoon, their University Supervisor. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

“You have just spent years honing your skills and expanding your knowledge right here in the great state of Ohio,” Blasdel continued. “You’ve experienced the changing seasons, the friendly faces in our small-town communities, and the unique rhythm of life in the Buckeye State. Many of you are lifelong residents, in fact, and as you contemplate your future, I want to suggest that the very ground beneath our feet offers fertile soil for your passions to take root and flourish.”

While she reminded graduates that opportunities abound for them close to home, she encouraged them to extend their vision to all corners of the state, while pursuing their passions.

“Graduates, your time here has laid a strong foundation. You’ve learned. You’ve grown. And you’ve become part of this Columbiana County community, and an essential part of the Ohio family. As you look towards the future, consider the immense potential that lies within the Buckeye State,” Blasdell said.

“Your passion doesn’t need a passport to flourish. Your passion awaits you, right here, in Ohio. The place where your dreams can take flight and where your future can blossom,” she offered. “Let the spirit of innovation and community that thrives in our state fuel your own journey ahead. … Now, go out there and make your next steps extraordinary and may you always carry a piece of the Heartland with you.”

Kent State Columbiana County graduates earning associate and baccalaureate degrees, as well as certificates, for the 2024-2025 academic year include the following:

Relaxing before their commencement, from left, Cory Riesen, Alexia Kalicatzaros, Madelynn McDowell, Ben Manchester, all graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Radiologic Technology. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

Baccalaureate Honors:

Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors): Kalei Cook, Grace Coppola, Brooke Dustman, Maureen Mackar, Alexia Miller, Olivia Rice, Andrew Schultz, Steven Vulic, Madelyn Wells

Magna Cum Laude (High Honors): Ashley Algarin, Brittany Arnold, Jennifer Biggs, Julia Ellks, Ellysa Exline, Megan Foust, Tabatha Garman, Augustin Holman, Kristen Hoy, Marissa Krasinski, Olivia McCoy, Erica Merkel, Carly Mustake, Elise Nayman, Madison Oriti, Catherine Ossman, Kirstie Perkins, Gage Ramos, Christopher Wolf, Samantha Zehner

Cum Laude (Honors): Patricia-Ivy Atabong, Owen Conway, Annie Davidson, Rachel Derenzis, Morgan Donithan, Ryan Gruszecki, Erin Kwiat, Morgan McGaffick, Cody Mitchell, Ruth Rickerd, Yevette Simonovski, Skye Somerville, Hannah Yannucci

Baccalaureate Degree Graduates

Brianna Spirk gets her pin put on by Brighten Moriacher. She is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Occupational Therapy Assistant. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

Ashley Algarin, Brittany Arnold, Patricia-Ivy Atabong, Tiffany Bartlome, Stevie Beltrami, Ardell Buchanan, Marina Bialik, Jennifer Biggs, Heather Castillo, Owen Conway, Kalei Cook, Grace Coppola, Lisa Cummings, Annie Davidson, Rachel Derenzis, Harlie Detrick, Garrett Dickey, Morgan Donithan, Jessica Douglas, Brooke Dustman, Julia Ellks, Ellysa Exline, Brock Ford, Megan Foust, Tabatha Garman, Maggie Giaimo, Ryan Gruszecki, Augustin Holman, Kristen Hoy, Grace Huddlestun, Jadon Kersey, Mikeal Korpi, Marissa Krasinski, Stephanie Kshywonis, Erin Kwiat, Joshua Lightner, Maureen Mackar, Olivia McCoy, Morgan McGaffick, Alexis McKenzie, Erica Merkel, Alexia Miller, Cody Mitchell, Amber Moore, Kimberly Moore, Mercadezz Morrow, Carly Mustake, Elise Nayman, Melissa Norman, Madison Oriti, Catherine Ossman, Jessica Palo, Kirstie Perkins, Michael Prindle, Samantha Prosser, Gage Ramos, Ashlee Ratliff, Olivia Rice, Zackary Rich, Ruth Rickerd, Erika Rigby, Lauren Roth, Tanner Rothel, Morgan Roush, Christina Rusinko, Andrew Schultz, Yevette Simonovski, Genevieve Smith, Skye Somerville, Camryn Sutton, Steven Vulic, Madelyn Wells, Gavin Whitman, Melinda Winters, Christopher Wolf, Jaylynn Wooten, Hannah Yannucci, Samantha Zehner

Associate Degree Graduates

(* Indicates “With Distinction” honors for a grade point average of 3.50 or greater)

Sarah Abramovich*, Alyssa Alberti*, Tala Al-imeishat, Kiley Arrendale, Michael Atwood*, Emily Aukerman, Brock Baddeley, Tyler Baker, Hannah Ball*, Autumn Barnard, Jennifer Barnes*, Peyton Bell*, Emma Bibbee, George Bosworth, Christopher Bouchillon, Hannah Bowers*, Katelind Bowles*, Alannah Boyd, Brooke Brown, Leeann Brown, Jessica Brunk, Kaitlyn Buffone, Savannah Burton, Mikayla Busse*, Cameron Byrd, Jacquelyn Campbell*, Alyssa Carlevale, Ciara Casto*, Siera Cehrs, Whitney Clark, Delaney Cochran, Ronald Coleman, Justin Collins, Emma Colon, Kloe Cooper, Sara Cozza, Katelyn Cross, Amelia Cuckovich, Brandy D’Achille, Peyton Davidson, Alivia Davidson-Chuck*, Haley Diagosta, Jennifer Dolph*, Olivia Edison, Emily Ellyson*, Mark Emmerling, Ryan Everett, Katelynn Exline, Abbey Eye*, Savanah Fitch, Dylan Fletcher, Brock Ford, Sydney Ford, Cheryl German*, Desiree Girardi, Skyler Green, Nicole Grimm, Ryan Gruszecki*, Mary Guappone, Rorie Hager*, Ava Halas*, Bryanna Hanna, Sarah Hartzler, Madison Haus, Madison Heestand, Autumn Heninger, Alexandra Hill*, Samantha Hoffman*, Augustin Holman*, Shelby Householder*, Hope Hughes*, Emily Humphreys*, Myleigh Jackson, Jordan Johnson, Maxximus Jones, Alexia Kalicatzaros*, Olivia Keller, Olivia Kerns*, Sylvia Kirsch, Courtney Kirven*, Derek Klein, Ellena Kuhlman, Keegan Kunkle, Tori Lemasters, Cadence Lickwar, Anna Lippiatt, Tori Long*, Elisabeth Lorch*, Marissa Makosky, Aleah-Marie Malleske, Benjamin Manchester*, Lauren Marmo*, Jada Marshall, Jonathan Martinez Santos*, Rose Mazurkiewicz*, Janelle McConnell, Olivia McCoy*, Madelynn McDowell*, Molly McGaffick*, Aidan McTrustry*, Josephine Mellott, Raelynn Meyer*, Jerika Milhoan, Deanna Mike, Collin Miller, Jeremy Miller, Avah Mitchell*, Braden Monteith*, Amber Moore, Haley Moore, Kimberly Moore, Jaden Morris, Jeffrey Mowrer, Alexandria Murray*, Camden Nicholson, Amber Nitzsky, Brooke O’Donnell, Madison Ostoyic, Taylor Oviatt, Tyler Palmer, Jessica Palo, Summer Pawlowski*, Noah Perfetto*, Lillian Plumley*, Astoria Poteet, Alyssa Price, Samantha Prosser, Allysa Rance, Kaylee Rawson, Chloe Reed, Treasure Reynolds*, Olivia Rice*, Nicole Richey, Corey Riesen*, Hunter Ritchie, Carly Robertson, Gianna Rodgers, Hannah Rogers, Madison Rose, Autumn Schafer, Jessica Schneider, Lexis Schrieber, Kaylee Semrau*, Zoe Shell*, Olivia Sheville, Cassie Smith*, Jordan Smith, Paige Sommers, Brianna Spirk*, Alexis Spoon, Draven Stanley, Ryan Stauffer, Rachel Steele*, Lana Stewart, Todd Stewart, Alana Stults, Lucille Suarez, Raegan Surmaceviz, Chelsea Sutton, Katelyn Teagarden*, Jennifer Tedrow*, Keelee Torma, Taryn Triana*, Rylie Troy, Therese Valentine*, Raven Visnosky, Caden Weekley, Kailey Wenowitz-Fishel, Casey Wert, Hannah White*, Gavin Whitman, Adam Wilcox*, Clayton Wolf, Abigail Wolfgang*, Jocelynn Woods*, Mara Woost*, Amanda Wormsley, Ella Wright*, Hannah Yannucci*

Graduates of Certificate Programs

From, Mary Guappone, Desiree Giradi, Katelynn Exline, Sylvia Kirsch, Taylor Oviatt, and graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work is Skye Somerville. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

Stephenie Adamek, Hollee Armstrong, Tanya Burkholder, Tessa Helminiak, Augustin Holman, Stacie Knepper, Mikeal Korpi, McKenna Kyler, Stephanie Larkins, Nathan Royal

Offering the welcome to graduates and guests is Denise A. Seachrist, Ph.D. Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Kent State University at Salem. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, Ohio House of Representatives - District 79, delivers the commencement address. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel, Ohio House of Representatives - District 79, delivers the commencement address. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)

Bradley Bielski, Ph.D. Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Kent State University at East Liverpool offers closing remarks and turning of the tassels instructions. (Photo by Jimmy Joe Savage)