Commencement 2025 was a joyful celebration

The Cincinnati State Commencement ceremony held May 10, 2025, at Cintas Center, was a joyful experience for graduates, their family members, and the employees and friends of the College who attended.

• The graduating class included nearly 1,300 students who collectively earned more than 1,500 credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, or certificates.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees were earned by 24 graduates, along with 16 Bachelor of Applied Science graduates, and 15 high school students who earned associate degrees through the Ohio College Credit Plus program.

In his Commencement address, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval spoke to the graduates about “choices, changes, risks, and failures.” Pureval commended the graduates for choosing to complete college, and noted that in rapidly changing times, it’s important to take risks and to show grit. “Every one of us will fall sometimes, but grit helps you pick yourself up and persist,” he said.

“You are empowered to create your own future, and your time is now,” Pureval said.

Student speaker Sasha Schell, who earned an Associate of Applied Business degree, summa cum laude, in Accounting, said the graduating class members demonstrated “we are not afraid of a challenge.” She encouraged others to “never give up on your dream because of the time it will take to accomplish it,” and added, “You will become a role model for someone else by showing others what’s possible.”

Board of Trustees Chair John Silverman presented an honorary degree to Manuel Chavez III, CEO of Mobile Infrastructure Corp. Chavez congratulated the graduates and said, “Your skills and talents in the workforce are the lifeblood of our community.” Chavez currently serves as a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. He is also a past member of the Cincinnati State Foundation Board.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Brandi N. Ayers, ’05, the Global Program Lead for Coaching and Leadership Development at Avanade, Inc., and the owner of a career coaching consulting business. She also is an adjunct instructor at Cincinnati State and Spelman College, and is a frequent volunteer when the College needs assistance.

President Monica Posey presented a special certificate of recognition to Gary Cates, Senior Vice Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, who is retiring after several decades of service. Cates has been a long-time advocate for Cincinnati State and has even taken classes at the College.

Keep scrolling to see more images of the day captured by photographer Bobby Gayol, ’12.