Wayne College Holds Academic and Graduate Recognition Ceremony

On Friday, May 9, The University of Akron Wayne College held its fifteenth Academic and Graduation Recognition Ceremony in the J.M. Smucker Multipurpose Room of the Student Life Building. The event, which recognizes the accomplishments of associate degree recipients, certificate awardees, high grade point averages and achievements in specific subject areas, has become a highlight of the spring semester.

Vice President of Marketing for Lehman’s, Glenda Lehman-Ervin, offered the keynote presentation. She advised students to be prepared for the convergence of timing and luck in their lives in order to maximize opportunities, citing the founding of Lehman’s by her father, Jay Lehman, as a perfect example.

Faculty member Doug Woods encouraged students to embrace their liberal arts classes, stating that students who are knowledgeable about the liberal arts differentiate themselves in the workplace.

Student speaker Karl Parry, who was also named outstanding biology student for the academic year, contributed advice based on his own experiences juggling work, family-life and academics.

The distinguished alumni award was presented by alumni association member John Lorson and accepted by Carol Stroh on behalf of her late husband Karl Stroh. Stroh was the first graduate of Wayne College and a charter member of the Wayne College alumni association.

The evening was further enhanced by a slideshow highlighting student events throughout the year. The presentation was created by Nonya Stalnaker and introduced by Yani Frederick, the College’s associated student government president.

Music was provided by Wendy Barlow, a harpist who has played at fourteen of the fifteen Academic and Graduate Recognition ceremonies.