MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Ohio State University at Mansfield celebrated the graduation of more than 150 students during its annual celebration ceremony May 1 in Conard Hall.
Students were recognized for earning Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, as well as the Associate of Arts degree, from autumn 2024 through spring 2025.
Jason Opal, dean and director of Ohio State Mansfield, reminded graduates that college “is a season of life,” and they were about to enter the next season.
“Graduates of 2025, you have just completed one season of life. In that season, you were able to study and reflect, and explore, rather than just to react,” Opal said. “I hope that your season at Ohio State University will be a source of comfort and inspiration, of strength and guidance as you go forth into the great wide world.”
The spring semester marked the 67th class to graduate from Ohio State Mansfield, and the 154th to graduate from The Ohio State University, which held its official graduation ceremony May 4 in Columbus.
Keynote speaker Kris Knapp, mayor of Ontario, Ohio, shared his experience growing up locally and serving his community. Knapp, a retired high school teacher, became mayor in August 2024.
“Thirty-seven years ago, I sat exactly where you are now. I was filled with hope, a little uncertainty but a lot of excitement,” Knapp said.
Knapp reminded the graduates they will face challenges and opportunities, but the path they take “is yours to follow.”
Knapp shared a story about a house fire early in his marriage. He said his wife’s grandfather told them, “’It’s going to be okay. You may have lost all your high school and college possessions, but there’s one thing that no one can take away from you,’ and that’s your education, your experiences, and that’s what you have received today.”
Knapp also advised the graduates to “always treat people with respect,” because they never know when they may be working with the same people again. He noted that he now works for three council members who were former students.
In closing, he encouraged graduates to “embrace the moment. Be present and know that life will come to you in many unexpected ways, but your path is yours to follow.”
Following the celebration, students participated in a dessert social.
Olivia Hellinger, a primary education graduate from Ontario, said she was excited to finish her degree and begin teaching in the fall.
“I’m thankful to be done and I have a job lined up for the fall in Mount Gilead that I am excited to start,” she said. Hellinger was supported by a large group of family members.
Lillian Ferguson, an Associate of Arts graduate from Strongsville, said she plans to return to Ohio State Mansfield to earn her Bachelor of Education degree.
“It’s so nice to see that all of the work is doing toward something, and it is a good push forward into the right direction,” Ferguson said. She attended the ceremony with her parents, sister and brother.
More information about Ohio State Mansfield is available at mansfield.osu.edu.