Marietta College celebrates December graduates

by Gi Smith

Please Note: Please correct class years of newest graduates to '24.

Marietta, OH (12/08/2024) — Marietta College held its Fall Commencement on Saturday, December 7, 2024, in the Alma McDonough Auditorium, where 21 new graduates were recognized for their academic achievements. The ceremony provided a moment for students, families, faculty, and staff in attendance to reflect on the hard work and dedication that led to this milestone.

"Each of our graduates set a lifechanging goal - to further their education and complete the requirements for an undergraduate degree," said Marietta College President Dr. Margaret L. Drugovich. "They have succeeded. By dint of their own effort, the effort and support of Marietta's faculty and staff, and the love and support of their families and friends, each of today's graduates has earned the right to be recognized and celebrated. It is a proud moment for them, and a proud moment for all of us who care for and about them."

As part of her address, President Drugovich shared words of encouragement for the graduates as they move forward into the next stages of their lives.

"In the coming months and years, you will have moments when you think back on your time at Marietta," Drugovich said. "I hope that you will remember this as a time of challenge and change and personal growth and satisfaction. I hope that you will think of this time with a fondness for those members of our campus community - your faculty, your coaches, your counselors, your mentors - who cheered you on and cheered you up, just when you needed it most. I hope that you will miss the comfort of this place and these people, and that the memory of them will remind you that you always have a home, here, at Marietta College."

Skylee Lang '24, a Health Science graduate, spoke about her goals for the future, saying, "I am trying to get into pharmaceutical sales. My time here was amazing. I was part of Sigma Kappa sorority and I also was a PioSOAR and HOME leader, as well as an EXCEL leader."

Ethan Brooker '24, who completed dual majors in Public Accounting and Finance, already has plans for what comes next.

"I accepted a job with the Ohio Auditor of State, so that's what I'll be doing."

The graduates had the opportunity to address their loved ones and the campus community after receiving their diplomas, a cherished tradition during Marietta's Fall Commencement ceremony.

Yutaro Ito '24, a Political Science major, reflected on his time at Marietta College with gratitude, saying, "With confidence, I can say that I made one of the best decisions of my life to come to Marietta College. I would like to thank everyone - faculty members, my advisor Dr. Michael Morgan, for his guidance and support, and staff, my friends, and my family. Thank you so much."

Christopher Rodriguez '24, a first-generation student who earned a degree in Sport Management, recalled the challenges of his academic journey and expressed appreciation for his support system:

"Bear with me, I'm from the Class of 2020 so I didn't get a proper high school graduation. I want to say thank you to my friends and family, to David and Amanda (Cech) for taking me in. I come from California, first-gen student and the first in my family to graduate from college, so thank you."

Maya Suarez '24, another first-generation graduate who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, also thanked the people who helped her through her studies, especially her family: "I would like to thank all of the faculty in the Political Science, History and Music departments for getting me through these past three and a half years, especially my advisor, Dr. Michael Morgan. And I would also like to thank my family and friends, who have been such a great support for me. Above all, I would like to thank my parents who have gotten me through so much in my life. I am very grateful for them."

The event also featured remarks from the Alumni Speaker, Evan Brockmeier '13, who offered inspiration and guidance to the new graduates. Brockmeier, a former player for the Etta Express, two-time National Champion, and Academic All-American, spoke about the importance of adaptability and resilience. After the pandemic disrupted his career in petroleum engineering, Brockmeier shifted gears and worked for Marietta College's Physical Plant before transitioning to a position at Commonwealth Financial Services.

"So if it's not clear already, I love this place. I love this place so much that I was happy to pick up trash and cut the grass to make a difference for it. This place gave me the life that I have now and experiences I would have never dreamed of," Brockmeier said. "My hope is that you feel the same pride and energy of the Long Blue Line pushing you forward. The power of the Long Blue Line is real folks. If it hasn't already helped you to this point, know that there are alumni in this room/in this town/across the country who will be thrilled to help you. And it's as easy as reaching out or keeping in touch with the Advancement team, staying in touch, calling the Career Center. Most importantly - show that appreciation to the ones who helped you here. Individual awards are driven by team success. Not a single person in this room got to where they are alone. Your parents, your professors, your coaches, your friends. Show your love, say thank you, give them a hug."

Located in Marietta, Ohio, at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio rivers, Marietta College is a four-year liberal arts college. Tracing its roots to the Muskingum Academy back in 1797, the College was officially chartered in 1835. Today Marietta College serves a body of 1,200 full-time students. The College offers more than 50 majors and is consistently ranked as one of the top regional comprehensive colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review, as well as one of the nation's best by Forbes.com. Marietta was selected seventh in the nation according to the Brookings Institution's rankings of colleges by their highest value added, regardless of major.