CAMPUS HAPPENINGS It’s been a busy academic year so far at Ohio Dominican. From new programs and partnerships, to celebrations and events, there was much to celebrate during the fall semester. ODU Celebrates 113th Commencement ODU welcomed 176 new graduates into its alumni family during its 113th Commencement on May 8, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university hosted the ceremony inside Panther Stadium for the first time to provide adequate space and to help ensure the health and safety of all participants and attendees. Because the university was forced to cancel its spring 2020 ceremony, members of both the spring 2020 and spring 2021 graduating classes were invited to participate. ODU Professor of Political Science Ronald Carstens, Ph.D. delivered the keynote address.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine are hooded prior to receiving honorary degrees.
Ohio Governor and First Lady Receive Honorary Degrees In recognition of their leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ODU awarded Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine with honorary degrees at a ceremony on Aug. 16, 2021. The ceremony coincided with an event to celebrate and welcome the university’s 10th class of 50 Physician Assistant Studies master’s students. During the event, President Gallaher presented the DeWine’s each with a Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa.
Board of Trustees Welcomes New Members
ODU holds its Spring Commencement on May 8 in Panther Stadium, celebrating both the Classes of 2020 and 2021.
8 Ohio Dominican University
The Board of Trustees approved the addition of three new members during its fall meeting on Sept. 24, 2021, representing a range of backgrounds. The new members include Maureen Njeama, ODU junior Biology major from Tanzania; Jim Matesich, CEO of Matesich Distributing Co. in Newark, Ohio; and Meri Armour, former president and CEO of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
