UA Wayne Celebrates Graduates at Annual Celebration Event
UA Wayne’s annual Celebration of Graduates once again honored students who recently completed their degrees through the Wayne campus. More than 150 students, family members, staff, and special guests attended the event on Monday, May 4—the highest attendance since before the pandemic.
Students representing Wayne’s Nursing, Primary Inclusive Teacher Preparation (PITP), Social Work, General Studies, and Business programs participated in the celebration before receiving their degrees at the University of Akron’s commencement ceremony on the main campus the following weekend.
UA Wayne’s annual Celebration of Graduates once again honored students who recently completed their degrees through the Wayne campus. More than 150 students, family members, staff, and special guests attended the event on Monday, May 4—the highest attendance since before the pandemic.
Students representing Wayne’s Nursing, Primary Inclusive Teacher Preparation (PITP), Social Work, General Studies, and Business programs participated in the celebration before receiving their degrees at the University of Akron’s commencement ceremony on the main campus the following weekend.
Among the evening’s special guests were Wayne College Executive Director Dr. Heather Howley, UA Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Gwen Price, and keynote speaker R.J. Nemer, president of The University of Akron.
Nemer reflected on his career journey, beginning as an attorney after earning his J.D. from UA. He went on to found and serve as president of Icon Sports Management, a premier golf sports agency, later became dean of the UA College of Business, and ultimately transitioned into his role as university president.
As part of his remarks, Nemer recited the poem commonly known as “Come to the Edge”:
"Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, we're afraid!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
"We can't, we will fall!" they responded.
"Come to the edge," he said.
And so they came.
And he pushed them.
And they flew.
— Guillaume Apollinaire (attributed)
Nemer connected the poem to both his personal journey and the university’s new “More Yes” campaign, which emphasizes opportunity, ambition, and possibility. The campaign positions UA as the “doorway to what comes next” and encourages students to embrace new challenges with optimism and confidence.
He concluded by urging graduates to seize opportunities, embrace change, and remain open to possibility in all aspects of life.
Program coordinators from Wayne’s Nursing, PITP, and Social Work programs recognized outstanding students, with the Nursing program also presenting faculty and non-faculty awards. Student speakers added to the evening by sharing inspiring and heartfelt reflections with their peers.
A special recognition was given to 93-year-old Eugene Leyda, a former Wayne College student who attended The University of Akron from 1986 to 1990. Leyda served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Desert Storm during his 22 years of military service and has received numerous honors for his dedication and service to our country.
Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Banis delivered closing remarks, welcoming graduates into UA’s global alumni network of more than 185,000 members:
“As you step into what’s next, don’t be afraid to say yes—to opportunities, to new experiences, and even to the things that feel a little uncertain. Those yes moments often shape us in the most meaningful ways. Let them challenge you. Let them inspire you. Let them surprise you.”
Prior to the program, attendees enjoyed appetizers, desserts, a photo booth, a caricature artist, graduate gifts, and a visit from UA’s mascot, Zippy. UA Wayne congratulates its graduates and wishes them continued success in all their future endeavors. Go Zips!
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