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Commencement ceremonies were held May 14 at the county fairgrounds for the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, acknowledging all the hard work of students and faculty, especially after a challenging year of living through a pandemic. 

Dr. David Dees, dean of the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, presided over the event, along with Dr. Susan Rossi, assistant dean. 

Some commencement traditions were modified because of the COVID pandemic and the resulting safety protocols that had to be followed, yet the event was a true celebration. To manage attendance, two outdoor ceremonies were held that day to accommodate the graduates who participated in commencement. 

The second of the two ceremonies was for graduates of the nursing, physical therapist assistant and radiological technology programs, during which the graduates received the traditional pins representing their respective programs and recited their professional oaths.

There was no processional march to Pomp and Circumstance for graduates. Instead, each was strategically seated in the grandstands with a limited number of family and/or friends, keeping socially distant from other graduates.

Dees acknowledged that the pandemic forced the many changes, but that he was determined to find a way to hold a commencement ceremony in 2021. “The important thing is that we are here today to celebrate each of you and your hard work,” he said. “Finally, we are able to gather together. What a great day!”

 

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Photo 1: The stage is set

Photo 2: Time to smile!

Photo 3: Families and graduates in the grandstands

Photo 4: Making a statement