Kent State University at Geauga and Twinsburg Academic Center held its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 13, 2022, to conclude the 2021-22 academic year. Over 135 students earned their associate or bachelor's degrees and were honored during the ceremony, held at Parkside Church in Chagrin Falls.
Angela Spalsbury welcomed an audience of over 250, where she presented awards in special recognition of alumni and community connection and staff and faculty excellence.
Sarah Mast, a 2014 magna cum laude graduate from Kent State Geauga's Bachelor of Science in Middle Childhood Education program, received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Sarah currently teaches fourth grade at Jordak Elementary
Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce's Executive Director Allyson Tonozzi accepted the 2022 Friend of the Campus Award. This award recognizes the organization's exemplary service and support to the university's mission, its faculty, students, prospective students, and programs. Kent State Twinsburg Academic Center has developed a mutually beneficial partnership with the Twinsburg Chamber, including a Business
Graduating BSN and Student Speaker Daniel Painely addressed the audience by comparing attending college to cooking a great meal. Both require hard work, time, and effort. Both can be overwhelming at some points. But with the proper preparation, chefs and students will achieve a great meal or a diploma. "A good meal needs proper seasoning," said Painely. "I believe a good comparison is those who help us in life: mom, dad, grandparents, friends, and your Kent State family. Without the support, our hard work would be bland. A tasteless meal".
Jason Glowczewski, Pharm. D., MBA, FASHP, Chief Operating Officer of University Hospitals Conneaut, Geneva, and Geauga Medical Centers, delivered the keynote address. He acknowledged that these past few years' truly 'interesting' times have been due to the pandemic. He recognized and appreciated the perseverance and flexibility students had to face. Dr. Glowczewski shared advice about succeeding in this ever-changing environment and encouraged graduates to read books such as "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. Dr. Glowczewski closed his speech by wishing all graduates a limitless career and life.
Kent State University Geauga Campus and Twinsburg Academic Center wish continued success to all graduating students. Congratulations to the Class of 2022.