Graduates encouraged to embrace adversity

Graduates encouraged to embrace adversity

Summer commencement sees nearly 1,800 degrees and certificates issued

On a sunny afternoon, nearly 1,800 degrees and certificates were awarded at The Ohio State University's commencement, the most at a summer ceremony since 2013. As President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. noted Sunday, the graduates ranged in age from 18 to 65 years old.

"You're […] proof that you're never too old or too young for teaching and learning," he said, praising the class of 2024.

Carter asked that the graduating students take two ideas from the university's motto, "Education for citizenship."

The first is the importance of community.

"We are all citizens - not just of any one nation or state - but of the world, and of every community we're a part of."

Second, Carter emphasized contributing to those communities.

"Throughout our lives, each of us has the opportunity - and I believe, obligation - to serve these communities. To give back or pay forward so they can be better for those who follow us," he said. "This service can be taken in many different forms, and all are them are valid."

Angus Fletcher, professor of English, shared his research on the science of success. He advised students to embrace hardships and be grateful for the lessons they provide. Antifragility, a concept he introduced to the audience, is a key skill for success in life.

"Antifragility is the power of hearts that get tougher from heartbreak, loving harder with experience," he said. "It's the power of minds that get wiser from wrongs turns, fortifying themselves with lessons learned. … We are all born with the power of antifragility. It is a gift of nature. And any time you want, you can use its power. All you have to do is activate your gratitude for adversity."

In addition to degrees and certificates, Distinguished Service Awards were given to Michael A. Bumgarner and Leslie G. Bumgarner as well as Stephen G. Mehallis for their extraordinary commitment to the university.

The 1,779 degrees awarded Sunday included 263 doctorates, 699 master's and 13 professional degrees, as well as 804 undergraduate and associate degrees and certificates. Nearly 60 countries were represented at the ceremony, with students hailing from Australia, France, Paraguay and Zambia.

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