The University of Akron conferred 3,016 degrees at its Spring 2016 Commencement ceremonies May 12-15 at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, making it one of the University’s largest graduating classes. UA bestowed 38 doctoral, 667 master’s, 1,890 bachelor’s, 335 associate and 86 law degrees.
(School of Law commencement will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall. Details.)
The large graduating class is the result of a number of initiatives, many focused on improving undergraduate student retention and degree completion, says John Messina, vice provost for student success and associate vice president for student affairs.
VIDEO: WHAT'S NEXT FOR SPRING GRADUATES
“We’ve been strongly encouraging students to take more credit hours each semester," Messina says. "Another effort involves the offering of ‘completion grants’—small grant awards needed by some students to finish their degrees. The University has also ramped up its outreach to students, checking in on them if they haven’t registered for classes, for example. These efforts and others have helped more students complete their degrees.”
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The five commencement ceremonies are available for viewing on demand.
One student spoke toward the end of each commencement on behalf of his or her fellow classmates. Stephen Zuravel was the student responder at the Saturday afternoon ceremony for graduates of the College of Applied Science and Technology, the College of Health Professions and Wayne College.
Zuravel, who earned a degree in mechanical engineering technology, was injured in a car accident after his freshman year at UA. As a quadriplegic, Zuravel returned to school shortly after the injury to continue working toward his degree. He now functions as a paraplegic, competes in wheelchair rugby and has participated in a marathon using a hand cycle.
Stephen Zuravel, left, speaks during Commencement on May 14.
After graduation, Zuravel will move to Florida for a job with Invacare, working in the engineering department designing wheelchairs for others with disabilities.
Profile: Stephen Zuravel
COMMENCEMENT ON DEMAND
Media contacts: Dan Minnich, (O) 330-972-6476 or (C) 330-604-1167, or dminnich@uakron.edu, or Lisa Craig, (O) 330-972-7429 or (C) 330-618-6503 or lmc91@uakron.edu.
Speakers:
UA Student Responders included Emmary Sharer, Maggie Johnson, Stephen Zuravel, Sofia Chinchilla and Michael Vale. Guest speakers included State Sen. Larry Obhof, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, Lynn Cavalier ’81, chief human resources officer at FirstEnergy, and State Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes.